JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Hamburger Mary’s has made its comeback in Jacksonville, now operating under new ownership and in a new location. Owner Jordyn Shepherd expressed her gratitude for the overwhelming response from the community.
“Sometimes we talk about it, we’re just, we really can’t believe it. We’re kind of in awe with it,” Shepherd said.
The restaurant previously operated on Beach Boulevard until an electrical fire forced its closure.
After some time, Hamburger Mary’s corporate reached out to Shepherd, who had been an entertainer at the old location, to see if she would consider bringing the establishment back. For Shepherd, the decision was easy.
“I love everything that it stands for, so we kind of jumped on the opportunity to do it, and it’s really been a blessing,” she said. “I mean, especially in today’s political climate, this is really something that we need—a safe space. And you know, it’s not really a safe space just for our community. It’s really kind of a safe space for everyone.”
The restaurant and entertainment venue has been open for just a few months, but it’s already expanding into the space next door, with a new business named Drag On. This expansion will serve as a spillover area for Hamburger Mary’s while also providing customers with opportunities to get makeovers and to purchase beauty products.
“We’re expanding into the space next door, creating a waiting area back there where people can enjoy their drinks,” Shepherd said. “The front part is basically called Drag On, and it’s got a dragon logo with big fake lips and eyelashes. It’s all things drag—beauty supplies, lashes, and we’ll even do bridal party makeovers before they come over here. They can come get ready over there with us.”
Now, Hamburger Mary’s 2.0 is bringing that safe space to Murray Hill, offering a variety of entertainment options, including drag shows, bingo, brunches, and more.
“Sundays are our only family-friendly show that we have. And the reason why I wanted to do that was because a lot of times people try to paint us in a bad light when it comes to, you know, under 18,” Shepherd explained. “I wanted people to be able to come in and see really that we’re not who they think we are, and that we are just here to entertain. I’ve had numerous parents hug me and tell me, you know, thank you, because my child’s being picked on for being different at school, and so they needed this today.”
Hamburger Mary’s serves as a reminder of the much-needed space for acceptance and entertainment in the community.
You can visit their website for more information about events at Hamburger Mary’s 2.0.
