Gainesville restaurant closings in 2023 included local favorites around for decades

Local restaurants and bars that closed in Gainesville this year include a longtime college dive, a place for homemade ice cream and a popular spot for Italian fare.

Some national brands also closed their doors locally in 2023, including Boston Market on West Newberry Road, World of Beer Gainesville on Southwest 34th Street, and Yogurtology on Archer Road.

One local staple that remains open, but may feel like a different restaurant to some, is Bageland in the Shoppes at Thornebrook. Previous owners J.T. Phimon and his wife, Debbie, who had been running Bageland since 1980, retired after selling the business in September.

"The one thing I will miss the most is the customers — all of them — especially the ones that have stayed with us for over 40 years" J.T. said.

The Gainesville restaurant scene also got a scare when La Fiesta Mexican Restaurant, a local staple since 1989, announced at the beginning of December that it planned to close Dec. 16. It announced on that final day, however, that it would remain open and will now overhaul its menu and renovate its building.

Here's a look back at some of the Gainesville restaurants and bars that did close in 2023:

Formaggio's Bistro & Wine Bar

An intimate spot for Italian food in the Shoppes at Thornebrook, Formaggio's closed April 29 after more than 8 years in business.

It announced the news in an April 4 Facebook post, writing that "the time has come for us to shift our focus to family and new adventures."

"We would like to offer our sincerest thanks and gratitude to our staff, customers, and friends for all of your support over the years. We will miss you all!"

Grog House Bar & Grill

A longtime watering hole for many University of Florida students, Grog House in March announced on X, formerly known as Twitter, that after 27 years, it would be closing on May 6.

"We've been beating the clock for 27 years, but the clock is finally running out. It's with a heavy heart we confirm the rumors are true," the post said.

More: These Gainesville restaurants opened in 2023

The bar's location in midtown right across the street from campus, along with its themed nights, made it a hit for both students and locals alike. "Thank you for so many years of cheap drinks and falling down stairs," one X user wrote.

Halo Potato Donuts

Started as food truck in 2018, Halo Potato grew to have three brick-and-mortar locations by mid-2023. In late November, however, the business announced that it would be closing on Dec. 3.

"This economy has taken a toll on Halo. We no longer saw the sales needed to cover all of our expenses," a Facebook post from the business said.

More: Which fast-food chain will occupy the former Hardee's location at I-75 and Newberry Road?

Its signature treats contained wheat flour and used real potatoes to create a light, yet dense, texture. "Will go down in history as the BEST donuts ever created!" wrote one Facebook user.

Hot Birdies Chicken

This fast-casual spot for chicken sandwiches opened in February next to Panda Express, but a "For Rent" sign appeared in the window just a few months later.

It was only the second location for the Tallahassee-based restaurant that first opened in January 2022.

More: Why so many restaurant closings in Gainesville? Rising costs are hitting the industry hard.

"We just didn't make it," longtime restaurateur Kevin Stout told the Tallahassee Democrat. "I put my heart and soul into both those places.

Swamp Boil

Opened in October 2020, Swamp Boil specialized in low-country seafood boils with a combination of Vietnamese and Cajun Flavors. After announcing in would close on Dec. 23, it pushed up that date to Dec. 13 due to staffing and inventory issues.

"With a heart full of emotions, we announce the closing of Swamp Boil, a place that has been more than just a restaurant to us and, we hope, to you as well," the restaurant wrote on Facebook.

"My broken heart" and "Very sad news" were among the roughly 100 comments on the post.

Sweet Dreams

This local destination for delicious frozen treats had been serving Gainesville since 2004. In a Facebook post on Dec. 15, owner Mike Manfredi attributed the closing to rising costs and debts incurred as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"This has truly been 20 years out of my 50-year life. I lived, breathed and thought about not much else but ice cream," Manfredi told The Sun.

Manfredi is hosting a Farewell Flavor Night on Dec. 30 from 1 to 10 p.m.. He said he plans to make as many of the "favorites" as he can, and that he also will be offering pre-made pints for sale.

This article originally appeared on The Gainesville Sun: Gainesville Florida restaurants and bars that closed in 2023