After more than four decades, Ragtime Tavern closes in Atlantic Beach

Restaurants

After more than 40 years in operation, Ragtime Tavern at 207 Atlantic Blvd. in Atlantic Beach closed permanently over the weekend.

The building is at Atlantic and Ocean boulevards in Beaches Town Center.

Signs on Ragtime stationery taped to several windows read: “CLOSED. Unfortunately, we have permanently closed. Thank you for allowing us to serve the Atlantic Beach community for the last 30+ years.”

What started out as a small restaurant in 1983 with just 12 tables and a single bar expanded into a larger dining room and bar as well as the Taproom where it brewed its signature beers. Music was featured on the weekends.

It was known for its red beans and rice, coconut shrimp, wings, seafood and New Orleans-inspired fare.

"Unfortunately, we have permanently closed," says the sign in the Ragtime Tavern window Jan. 27.

In December, SPB Hospitality sold Ragtime Tavern, Seven Bridges Grille & Brewery in Tinseltown and three other properties to Kelly Companies of Southern California. SPB Hospitality, based in Houston, sold the businesses. It did not own the buildings.

As of Jan. 27, Seven Bridges, 9735 Gate Parkway N., remained open.

SPB Hospitality closed A1A Aleworks in St. Augustine last May. It still operates J. Alexander’s in St. Johns Town Center and Krystal.

Ragtime Tavern is at Atlantic and Ocean boulevards in Beaches Town Center.

Fortress Investment Group, parent of Fortress Credit Corp. portfolio, owns SPB Hospitality.

Fortress Investment Group says it has more than $200 billion in investments.

Fortress Credit Corp. bought Red Lobster in September following its May Chapter 11 filing.

In a Dec. 10 article in the Nation’s Restaurant News, it stated: “Kelly Companies of Southern California is a multi-concept restaurant operator, with concepts that include Fox & Hound Bar + Grill, Craft Republic Bar & Grill, Lucky Bastard Saloon, and Whiskey River Saloon. The company said that it views this acquisition as an opportunity to “strengthen and deepen” its portfolio, while honoring the brands’ legacies.

In the same report, Michael Kelly, CEO of Kelly Companies of Southern California, said in a statement: “We are committed to honoring their roots, nurturing their community connections and exploring opportunities for growth and innovation.”