JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – For generations, the smell of smoked chicken and ribs has drawn people into Jenkins Quality Barbecue. But after nearly seven decades, the Jenkins family said they’re turning off the smokers for good.
For many longtime customers, Jenkins is more than just a barbecue restaurant — it’s a tradition. For that reason, the news of its closure has left the Jacksonville community saddened and disappointed.
“I hate it. I hate it. Especially about the sauce,” Lisa, a longtime customer, told News4JAX.
According to a Facebook post, the beloved restaurant will close its three locations at the end of the month due to “rising costs of food and labor, shifting consumer trends and chain issues.”
“After 68 years of serving our Jacksonville community, we look back not with heaviness, but with our hearts brimming with gratitude. From all of us, we thank you. We appreciate your loyalty over the years, and we will miss you!” the restaurant wrote.
RELATED | This Jacksonville barbecue institution has been serving ribs, chicken for more than 60 years
The business was founded in 1957 by Melton Jenkins Jr. and his wife, Willie Mae. It is considered one of the oldest Black family-owned restaurants in Jacksonville.
Catherine, another longtime customer, said going to Jenkins was her “once-a-month treat.”
“I found out about it online, and then my son texted me and told me about it. I’m sad. This is my once-a-month treat. Sometimes it’s twice a month. So I am sad,” she said.
The Jenkins family will also be closing down their barbecue sauce online shop, and they asked customers to place their last orders for the sauce by the end of the day on Sept. 21.
Another customer, who did not want to be identified, said Jenkins was his go-to lunch spot.
“Oh, rib sandwiches all day, medium sauce, curly fries with the sauce on the fries. So we need to do a petition or something to keep these guys open, because I’m going to be I’m going to miss them,” he said.
While the family may be closing its doors, its legacy will continue to leave a mark on Jacksonville.
Those with gift cards are asked to use them by Sept. 30.