After nearly two decades in operation, a beloved downtown Jacksonville establishment, Burrito Gallery, shocked its loyal patrons by suddenly closing its doors on Wednesday. Longtime customers arrived to find the front entrance locked and windows obscured, signaling an unexpected end to their dining tradition.
A sign affixed to the front door expressed gratitude to the patrons who had supported the restaurant over its 18-year tenure at 21 E. Adams St. It read, “Thank you for 18 years of great memories! With heavy hearts we have made the decision to close this Burrito Gallery location. We have and will always value your local support that has been shared with us over the years…”
Known for its “Jax Mex” cuisine featuring burritos, quesadillas, tacos, and more, Burrito Gallery first opened its doors just before Super Bowl XXXIX in February 2005. Despite its long-standing presence in the community, the owner was unavailable for immediate comment, and an employee declined to provide further insight as she entered the now-shuttered establishment.
Local workers in neighboring offices observed a significant decline in business at the restaurant in recent months, possibly foreshadowing its sudden closure. This shutdown follows another abrupt closure of a Burrito Gallery location in Jacksonville Beach three months prior.
Catherine Paez, a regular customer who frequented the restaurant for lunch, expressed disappointment upon discovering its closure. She recalled fond memories of dining on the outdoor patio and lamented the loss of a favorite lunch spot.
In the sign posted on the door, Burrito Gallery directed patrons to its other locations at 90 Riverside Ave. in Brooklyn Station and 5016 Gate Parkway near St. Johns Town Center. Additionally, it recommended Uptown Kitchen in the historic Springfield neighborhood, both of which are owned by Gallery Restaurant Group. The sign also hinted at the possibility of a new venue replacing the downtown location, urging patrons to “stay tuned for an exciting new venue coming your way!”
It remains uncertain whether the closure of the downtown establishment will impact previously announced plans to open a new restaurant at Jacksonville International Airport as part of the planned Concourse B addition.
Burrito Gallery’s closure adds to a series of notable restaurant closures in the area in the early weeks of the year, including Lee’s Dragon on Lane Avenue, Woody’s Bar-B-Q in Ponte Vedra Beach, and Mr. Potato Spread on Philips Highway.