Parsons Seafood closes its doors after 50 years of serving Jacksonville Beach

JACKSONVILLE BEACH, Fla. — UPDATE: Parsons Seafood reopened in 2017. The new location is at 1451 Atlantic Blvd.

Parsons Seafood in Jacksonville Beach stands for more than great seafood: It’s a place where families and friends have made memories.

Parsons Seafood has been in the community for 50 years, which made Wednesday's closing of the restaurant bittersweet.

“Everybody in the kitchen cried at least once or twice a day. We had customers come back and give us a hug, we don’t even know who they are, and they want to give us a hug, cause we're leaving,” said owner Michael Parsons.

Parsons said he took over the restaurant from his brother about 8 years ago. It’s also where he met his wife, Cindy. But now, Parsons said the building has become too expensive to maintain.

“Building's in really bad shape, and the landlord had financial difficulties, so she wasn’t able to put any real money into the place,” said Parsons.

He said they’ve tried to keep it afloat themselves.

“My wife and I put a lot of our personal money into it and now she just got diagnosed with breast cancer,” he said.

The restaurant closed for good Wednesday at 11 p.m.

Customers are sad to see this place go. Parsons said he’s been so grateful for the loyal following they’ve had. While this chapter closes for them, the owners hope to open another restaurant in the future.

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