After almost three years, a popular Jacksonville sandwich shop known for its “Duuuval Cheesteak” has announced plans to shut its doors.
Clarke Bros Subs plans to close on June 20 at 2545 Riverside Ave. at the intersection of Barrs Street, across from Ascension St. Vincent’s Riverside medical campus.
Saying “it’s with a heavy heart,” the sandwich shop founded and owned by Andy Clarke, announced the pending closure in a Facebook post shortly after 11 a.m. June 8.
No reason was given for the closure in the post that thanked customers for their support and listed the restaurant’s remaining operating hours.
Clarke couldn’t be reached for comment.
The restaurant plans to be open 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. through June 20 “to allow us to serve you once more and allow the staff to find other positions,” according to the post.
“We love you all too!! Please remember to support all the mom and pops out there!!!!” the post said.
Clarke opened and operated Clark Bros Subs at the same site as Poke Burri, which he operated for nearly three years before launching the sandwich shop on Sept. 15, 2023.
Clarke Bros Subs: a family business
Clarke named the sandwich shop in honor of his two sons — Aedan, then 23, and Nolan, then 20 — who worked with him at the restaurant.
It was a way for him to spend time with them as they built the business, he told the Times-Union when he opened the restaurant.
The restaurant’s signature sandwich was the “Duuuval Cheesesteak.” Philly had its version, and they decided Jacksonville should be known for one too, he said back then.
“… We decided we could do a good job representing what I believe a cheesesteak is. And I call it a Duuuval Cheesesteak instead of a Philly Cheesesteak just because for us it’s a unique vehicle,” said Clarke, who noted it took about six months to perfect the sandwich.
Clarke decided that his cheesesteak would be made from fresh select ribeye, never frozen … because it makes for a juicier sandwich.
The ribeye was seasoned, slow-cooked and shaved in-house at the restaurant. They also used whole loaf premium cheeses, again sliced fresh. Topped with onions and peppers, the cheesesteak was served on a roll from The French Pantry, he said when they opened the restaurant.
Sharing the spotlight with the cheesesteak were the Monte Cristo and pastrami sandwiches, as well as Gochujang Chicken Wings and homemade tater tots
News of the planned closure triggered an outpouring of dismay on social media.
“Heartbreaking news, Andy. You have the best sandwiches in town. Wish you the absolute best for the future chapter,” one customer posted on the Clarke Bros Facebook page.
Teresa Stepzinski is the dining reporter for the Times-Union. Follow her on X, formerly known as Twitter, @TeresaStepz or reach her via email at tstepzinski@jacksonville.com.
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This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Popular Riverside sandwich shop announces plans to close after 3 years
Reporting by Teresa Stepzinski, Jacksonville Florida Times-Union / Florida Times-Union
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By Teresa Stepzinski, Jacksonville Florida Times-Union | USA TODAY Network
