Bad news for sundae lovers and Instagram foodies. Sugar Factory American Brasserie, the over-the-top restaurant known for its massive desserts, celebrity-inspired drinks and eye-catching menu items, has quietly closed its Jacksonville location at The Markets at Town Center.
Sugar Factory’s closure became apparent on June 19, when customers arrived to find the doors locked and a sign announcing the restaurant’s departure. Here’s what we know.
How did Sugar Factory announce its closure in Jacksonville?
A sign posted at the restaurant thanked customers, employees and the surrounding community.
“We’re closing our doors, but the good times will stick with us forever!!” the message read. “Thank you for the memories, the smiles, and the sugar highs. Thank you to the amazing Jacksonville team, St. Johns Town Center and every guest who stopped by for a bite, a sip or a sweet memory.”
As of June 22, the Jacksonville location was still listed on Sugar Factory’s website, but reservations were no longer being accepted.
Sugar Factory health inspection issues. See timeline before closure
The restaurant’s closure comes shortly after a series of state inspections that resulted in a temporary shutdown earlier this month:
So, did Sugar Factory close because of its recurring health inspection issues? That remains unclear. As of June 22, 2026, the company has not publicly disclosed a reason for the permanent closure of its Jacksonville location or indicated whether the inspections factored into the decision.
When did Sugar Factory first open its Jacksonville location?
Sugar Factory opened at 4910 Big Island Drive in March 2023, taking over the former Brio Tuscan Grille space that had sat vacant for about three years.
The opening followed nearly a year of delays for the Las Vegas-based chain, which built its reputation on extravagant, social media-friendly desserts and oversized menu offerings.
Known for its celebrity-inspired goblets, $99 Sundaes and 24k Gold Burger
Sugar Factory is known for its over-the-top dry-ice “smokin’ goblets,” a celebrity-inspired beverage line featuring drinks designed or endorsed by stars including Kendall Jenner, Nick Jonas, 50 Cent, Snoop Dogg, George Clooney, Bruno Mars and Pitbull.
Among Sugar Factory’s most talked-about menu items was the $99 King Kong Sundae, a dessert designed to serve up to 12 people. The sundae featured 20 scoops of ice cream topped with hot fudge, caramel and strawberry sauces, caramelized bananas, marshmallows, cookie pieces, a glazed doughnut, vanilla cupcake and assorted candy.
The restaurant also offers a $175 24K Gold Burger, one of several luxury menu items that helped define the brand’s larger-than-life image.
Which other Sugar Factory locations have closed?
Jacksonville is not the only market where Sugar Factory has recently scaled back.
The chain closed its Indianapolis location in 2024, followed by Delray Beach, Fla., in 2025 and Detroit in May.
Are there any other Sugar Factory locations still open in Florida?
Yes, despite the Jacksonville closure, Sugar Factory continues to operate several locations across Florida, including Miami Beach, Orlando and Tampa.
Doris Alvarez is a Breaking and Trending Reporter for The Florida Times-Union. You can get all of Jacksonville’s best content directly in your inbox each weekday by signing up for the free Daily Briefing and News Alerts newsletters at jacksonville.com/newsletters.
This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Why did Sugar Factory in Jacksonville close? Here’s what we know
Reporting by Doris Alvarez Cea, Gary T. Mills and Teresa Stepzinski, Jacksonville Florida Times-Union / Florida Times-Union
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Doris Alvarez Cea, Gary T. Mills and Teresa Stepzinski, Jacksonville Florida Times-Union | USA TODAY Network
