After four years of operation, The Bearded Pig BBQ restaurant at 1700 Third St. S. in Jacksonville Beach will close April 6.
Co-owner Chad Munsey said the closing will give his management staff time to focus on the restaurant’s San Marco location.
Timing and location worked against the Beaches restaurant, he said. Building-out a former bank and turning it into a restaurant cost almost twice the original budget of $800,000. The coronavirus pandemic stopped work for several months, and when it resumed, supply and labor costs had soared.
Munsey said that the 180-seat Beaches location was about 50 seats too large.
Local restaurant regulations brought additional costs. The city of Jacksonville Beach had them install another oil drain and rather than having it cleaned every five months, city rules mandate quarterly cleanings, he said.
“We were down 20% year-to-date and last year wasn’t a good year,” Munsey said.
Munsey announced the closing on Instagram.
“It is with the heaviest of hearts that we announce the permanent closure of our Jacksonville Beach location. We hope to serve BBQ through Sunday April 6th,” the post said.
He said his experience has made him rethink barbecue at the Beaches.
“When people are out at the beach they are craving a different kind of food. Think seafood and sandwiches,” he said.
The original Bearded Pig opened in 2016 at 1224 Kings Ave. It later moved down the street to its present location at 1808 Kings Ave.
The concept is fast-casual barbecue with revved-up sides. There is inside and outdoor dining with a large play area for children.
Munsey said he has some ideas about making the fast-casual concept a bit more appealing.
There are also plans for the Bearded Piglette in The Block JAX food hall, 7520 Quarter Mill Road, near Ikea, when it opens in the fall.
The Block JAX will have several restaurants, a music event area, children’s play space and a dog park.
“We are going to condense the menu some since we are in a 10-by-20 space there,” he said.
Munsey and his crew will break down the Beaches kitchen and dining room and place it in storage. There is no new location yet, but if a spot becomes available a new Bearded Pig BBQ could open.
The Beaches location is open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday.
The San Marco location is open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday
Both serve liquor, beer and wine.