ATLANTIC BEACH, Fla. – A staple of the Atlantic Beach dining scene is preparing to serve its final meals. AB Kitchen, a popular destination for local food enthusiasts, will officially close its doors on Nov. 16, owners Ben and Liza Groshell announced on Monday.
The closure marks the end of a five-year run for the restaurant. In a statement posted to Facebook, the Groshells confirmed that the decision stems from the expiration of their lease at the Atlantic Beach location. Rather than negotiating a renewal, the husband-and-wife duo behind Southern Table Hospitality have decided to shift their focus toward new ventures and upcoming projects.
While the announcement comes as a surprise to many in the local community, the owners emphasized that the transition will not leave their employees without work. According to the Groshells, the entire AB Kitchen staff will be absorbed into the company’s other restaurant locations, ensuring job security for their team members as the business landscape changes.
“We hope you’ll join us for another meal before we close our doors,” the owners wrote in their social media announcement.
For the next several weeks, it will be business as usual at the restaurant. AB Kitchen plans to remain fully operational through Nov. 16, serving its signature dishes and maintaining its regular menu until the final shift concludes.
The closure is part of a larger strategic pivot for Southern Table Hospitality. While AB Kitchen is exiting the neighborhood, the company maintains a robust footprint in the region. Southern Table Hospitality continues to operate a diverse portfolio of well-known establishments, including North Beach Fish Camp, Julington Creek Fish Camp, Palm Valley Fish Camp, and St. Augustine Fish Camp. Their broader collection of concepts also features Dockside Seafood Restaurant, the upscale Marker 32, the barbecue-focused Valley Smoke, and Billy Jacks.
For patrons who have grown fond of the restaurant’s atmosphere and menu over the last half-decade, the weeks leading up to Nov. 16 offer a final window to enjoy the space. The owners expressed their gratitude for the support they have received from the Atlantic Beach community since the restaurant first opened.
As the mid-November deadline approaches, the company is encouraging loyal guests to stop by and say goodbye. Updates regarding the restaurant’s final operations or potential future concepts from the hospitality group can be found on the Southern Table Hospitality website.
Copyright 2026 by WJXT News4JAX – All rights reserved.
Disclaimer: This content is auto-generated for informational purposes only.
Source: Read Original News
