JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Jenkins Quality Barbecue officially closes its doors on Tuesday, leaving behind years of cherished memories and fulfilled appetites.
The beloved barbecue joint announced at the beginning of the month that it was closing all locations after 68 years. Since then, customers have flooded the restaurant to place their orders and snag some of the special sauce.
“I must come quickly and get as many sauces as I can, because me and my mom love Jenkins sauce,” Daphne Stephens said
Customers and employees said it will be a place with cherished memories and traditions passed down for generations.
Cindy Burton, an employee at the Downtown location, said the days leading up to closing have been emotional for her.
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“I’ve only been here a measly three years compared to everyone else in here, but I do love my job, and everyone that knows me, my personal customer, knows I love my job, so it is very sad,” Burton said.
“Definitely going to miss my regulars. This job has really been a blessing,” she said.
If you want one last rib sandwich slopped in that mustard-based sauce, you’ll need to stop by before Tuesday. After that, the smokers go cold — and this Jacksonville tradition comes to an end.