7 Florida Restaurant Chains That Closed, And 7 New Ones Gaining Ground

Florida’s restaurant scene is constantly evolving, with familiar favorites shutting their doors while new dining concepts emerge. The Sunshine State has witnessed the fall of some beloved local chains that once dotted strip malls and street corners across the peninsula.

Meanwhile, innovative eateries are expanding rapidly, bringing fresh flavors and dining experiences to hungry Floridians.

1. BurgerFi’s Bankruptcy Blues

Once a Florida success story, this Lauderdale-by-the-Sea burger joint filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in September 2024.

Known for their all-natural Angus beef and eco-friendly buildings, BurgerFi couldn’t sustain its rapid expansion. Multiple Florida locations closed their doors, leaving loyal customers searching for new spots to enjoy their famous crispy fries.

2. Crispers Crumbles Away

Remember those fresh salads and hearty sandwiches? Lakeland-born Crispers vanished from Florida’s food landscape when all locations permanently closed by October 2022.

Even Publix’s previous ownership couldn’t save this once-popular lunch spot. Founded in 1989, Crispers built its reputation on healthy alternatives to fast food before financial troubles led to its complete disappearance.

3. Tijuana Flats’ Financial Fiesta Ends

The Orlando-based Tex-Mex favorite filed Chapter 11 in April 2024, shocking fans of their hot sauce bar and Tuesday taco deals.

Founded in Winter Park during 1995, Tijuana Flats expanded to over 120 locations before financial trouble struck. Eleven Florida restaurants abruptly closed, leaving employees jobless and customers wondering where to find their beloved “Tijuana Trio” combo plates.

4. Bahama Breeze’s Island Retreat

Darden Restaurants shocked diners when they closed 15 Bahama Breeze locations across Florida in May 2025.

The Orlando-based Caribbean-inspired chain had been a staple for tropical cocktails and island flavors since 1996. Corporate downsizing hit the brand hard, with Darden choosing to focus resources on their more profitable Olive Garden and LongHorn Steakhouse concepts instead.

5. On The Border’s Last Margarita

March 2025 marked the end for this Tex-Mex chain in Florida when bankruptcy forced all locations to shutter permanently.

Famous for sizzling fajitas and bottomless chips and salsa, On The Border couldn’t overcome financial challenges. The pandemic initially wounded the chain, but rising food costs and changing consumer preferences delivered the final blow to their Florida operations.

6. PDQ’s Quality Conundrum

Tampa’s “People Dedicated to Quality” has been quietly closing locations throughout Florida since 2023.

Founded by Outback Steakhouse co-founder Bob Basham, PDQ earned fans with fresh chicken tenders and hand-spun milkshakes. Despite celebrity backing from former NFL player Tim Tebow, the chain struggled with profitability, leading to significant restructuring and multiple store closures across their home state.

7. TooJay’s Deli Decline

This Palm Beach County institution has shrunk dramatically since 2020, closing multiple locations of their beloved New York-style deli.

TooJay’s fans mourned the loss of their massive Reubens and authentic matzo ball soup as locations disappeared. While some restaurants remain, the chain’s footprint has significantly contracted, leaving many Florida neighborhoods without access to their famous black and white cookies.

8. Bolay’s Bold Expansion

Palm Beach Gardens-born Bolay Fresh Bold Kitchen is taking Florida by storm with their customizable nutrient-rich bowls.

Founded in 2016, this fast-casual concept emphasizes clean eating without sacrificing flavor. Their build-your-own bowls featuring proteins like Caribbean-spiced steak and Peruvian quinoa have attracted health-conscious Floridians, fueling rapid expansion across the state.

9. Foxtail Coffee’s Caffeinated Growth

Winter Park’s artisanal coffee shop has been brewing up remarkable statewide expansion, opening dozens of stylish cafés.

Launched in 2016, Foxtail distinguishes itself with ethically sourced beans and Instagram-worthy interiors. Beyond just coffee, they’ve captured Florida’s attention with signature drinks like the Honey Lavender Latte and creative collaborations with local bakeries, making each location uniquely appealing.

10. Huey Magoo’s Tender Takeover

Orlando-based Huey Magoo’s is conquering the chicken tender market with over 250 locations in development across Florida and beyond.

Established by former UCF roommates in 2004, this chain focuses exclusively on chicken tenders. Their “tenderloins only” approach has proven wildly successful, with their special Magoo’s sauce drawing crowds. The company’s aggressive expansion plan includes dozens of new Florida locations opening soon.

11. Island Fin Poké’s Fresh Wave

Winter Springs gave birth to Island Fin Poké Co., which is riding the Hawaiian food trend to impressive growth throughout Florida.

Founded in 2017, this fast-casual concept brings authentic Hawaiian poké bowls to the mainland. Their customizable bowls featuring marinated raw fish, house-made sauces, and fresh toppings have attracted health-conscious diners, propelling the chain’s expansion across Florida and into neighboring states.

12. The Salty Donut’s Sweet Success

Miami’s artisan donut phenomenon is glazing new territories beyond South Florida with their craft creations.

Started as a pop-up in 2015, The Salty Donut has elevated the humble donut to gourmet status. Their 24-hour brioche dough and creative flavors like Guava + Cheese have created cult-like following. Now expanding northward, they’re bringing their small-batch sweet treats to more Floridians.

13. Taco Dirty’s Flavorful Invasion

Tampa’s homegrown Taco Dirty is spicing up Florida’s dining scene with their health-focused Mexican-inspired bowls and tacos.

Launched by the team behind Ciccio Restaurant Group, Taco Dirty emphasizes clean ingredients and bold flavors. Their build-your-own concept features options like sweet potato “rice” and coconut lime cauliflower, attracting both health-conscious diners and flavor seekers across expanding Florida locations.

14. White Castle’s Royal Return

After a 53-year absence, the slider kings have reclaimed their Florida throne with new locations in Daytona Beach and Kissimmee.

White Castle’s 2021 Orlando opening created five-hour wait times and unprecedented excitement. The iconic square burgers continue drawing crowds at their newest Florida outposts. This expansion marks a triumphant return for America’s first fast-food hamburger chain, founded in 1921.