JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — It’s the end of an era for a Jacksonville staple as Jenkins Quality Barbecue officially closed its doors Tuesday, shutting down all three of its locations after nearly 70 years in business.

For many, Jenkins wasn’t just a restaurant—it was part of their lives.

“This was like life, family, everybody, even the grandchildren, my children and me. I’m gonna really miss this place,” said longtime customer Randell Wiggins, 62.

At lunchtime, cars wrapped around the downtown location, with some customers waiting more than an hour for one last taste of Jenkins’ famous barbecue.

“I want to get it for the last one more time, she told me. I got about an hour to wait. I’m gonna wait,” said Wiggins.

For Wiggins, the restaurant’s history runs deep. His late father once worked at

See Full Page