7 Florida Restaurant Chains That Fizzled Out & 7 Fresh Favorites Taking Over
Florida’s ever-evolving restaurant scene shifts almost as quickly as our afternoon thunderstorms. As a lifelong Floridian and proud foodie, I’ve seen beloved local chains fade into memory, leaving behind the flavors and traditions we grew up with.
At the same time, a wave of fresh, innovative eateries is rising to take their place, each one bringing bold flavors, creative concepts, and new reasons to fall in love with dining out all over again.
These aren’t just business changes; they’re personal. So let’s take a look at the restaurants we’ve had to say goodbye to, and the exciting newcomers now stealing the spotlight.
1. Evos: Health Food Pioneer Gone Cold
Remember when Evos burst onto the scene with their air-baked fries and organic burgers? I certainly do! Their ‘Feel Great Fast Food’ slogan had me convinced healthy fast food could actually taste amazing.
The Tampa-born chain expanded throughout Florida with their earth-friendly packaging and hormone-free meats. My family made it our Friday night tradition for years.
Sadly, 2025 marked the end for this ahead-of-its-time concept. All locations closed abruptly, leaving health-conscious Floridians searching for new guilt-free indulgences. Their pioneering spirit in the fast-casual health space deserves recognition, even as we say goodbye.
2. Bahama Breeze Island Grille – Paradise Lost
The steel drums have fallen silent at five Bahama Breeze locations across Florida. Mid-2025 brought heartbreaking news when this tropical escape announced massive cutbacks.
Walking into Bahama Breeze always transported me straight to vacation mode. The island-inspired cocktails, coconut shrimp, and jerk chicken made ordinary Tuesday dinners feel special. That Caribbean atmosphere with ceiling fans and vibrant décor became my go-to spot for celebrating good news.
Part of a larger nationwide closure of 15 restaurants, the shutdowns left beach-themed food lovers scrambling for new spots to get their Caribbean cuisine fix. Those colorful buildings now sit empty, a stark reminder of changing tastes.
3. On The Border: The Final Fiesta
March 2025 brought the unexpected bankruptcy filing that silenced the sizzling fajita platters at On The Border. I’ll never forget taking my first date there in high school, nervously trying to eat a messy burrito without making a complete fool of myself!
The Tex-Mex chain once dotted Florida’s landscape with their bottomless chips and salsa, strong margaritas, and festive atmosphere. Their signature Border Bowls fueled countless lunch breaks during my college years.
Chapter 11 proceedings forced nearly all U.S. locations to close their doors, including numerous Florida outposts. The sudden disappearance left a queso-shaped hole in many hearts and neighborhoods throughout the Sunshine State.
4. Tijuana Flats: Tex-Mex Troubles
The hot sauce bar at Tijuana Flats was legendary! My collection of their ‘Smack My Sweet Heat’ bottles still lines my kitchen shelf as a sad reminder of better days. This Orlando-born Tex-Mex casual spot was a Florida staple since 1995.
Famous for Taco Tuesdays and quirky wall murals, Tijuana Flats cultivated a devoted following with their fresh ingredients and laid-back vibe. I celebrated countless end-of-semester victories there during my UCF days.
The 2024 bankruptcy filing hit Central Florida especially hard, with multiple locations shuttering across Orlando and surrounding areas. A true homegrown success story that couldn’t weather changing economic tides and fierce competition in the crowded casual Mexican food space.
5. Friendly’s: Not-So-Friendly Future
Nothing beat finishing a little league game and heading to Friendly’s for a Fribble and ice cream sundae! Those red vinyl booths hosted countless childhood celebrations for my family.
While technically expanding in some regions, Friendly’s Florida footprint continues shrinking at an alarming rate. Several locations have shuttered or significantly underperformed, raising serious questions about the brand’s health in the Sunshine State.
The iconic family restaurant with its signature ice cream treats faces steep competition from trendy newcomers. My kids will never know the joy of those smiley-face pancakes that once made Saturday mornings special. The remaining Florida locations seem to be operating on borrowed time.
6. Buca di Beppo: One Less Family-Style Feast
The Pope’s Table at Buca di Beppo in Maitland hosted my family’s most memorable celebrations. That massive lazy Susan centerpiece spun with enormous platters of chicken parmesan and spaghetti that somehow disappeared despite our small family.
The kitschy Italian decor, walls covered in vintage photos and Christmas lights year-round – created an atmosphere unlike any other chain restaurant. Their family-style portions encouraged sharing and conversation.
Lease issues forced this particular location to close in 2024, ending decades of boisterous birthday dinners and graduation celebrations. While other Florida Buca locations remain open, losing this specific restaurant felt personal to many Central Florida families who marked milestones within its red-checkered walls.
7. Frankie’s Wings & Things: Local Legend Grounded
Frankie’s wasn’t just a wing joint, it was Melbourne’s living room for 34 years! Those sticky tables witnessed first dates, job celebrations, and countless Florida State game watches.
The walls plastered with sports memorabilia and license plates created the perfect backdrop for their legendary extra-hot garlic parmesan wings. The owner knew regulars by name and order preference, something increasingly rare in today’s restaurant world.
Mid-2024 marked the end when the owners finally retired, closing their last location. Previous branches had already shuttered in recent years, but this final closure truly marked the end of an era. No corporate chain can replace the authentic local character that made Frankie’s special.
8. Raising Cane’s: Chicken Finger Phenomenon
The first time I tried Raising Cane’s, I finally understood what all the fuss was about! That secret Cane’s sauce had me questioning my loyalty to every other chicken tender I’d ever eaten.
Since their 2021 Florida debut, this Louisiana-born chain has been expanding faster than summer thunderclouds. Their simple menu, basically just chicken fingers, crinkle-cut fries, Texas toast, and coleslaw, proves that perfecting a few items beats offering dozens of mediocre options.
With 12 new locations planned near Orlando’s theme parks, Raising Cane’s is strategically positioning themselves to capture both tourist dollars and local loyalty. Their drive-thru lines consistently wrap around buildings, a testament to their growing Florida fanbase.
9. Pepper Lunch: Sizzling Japanese Sensation
Watching my meal cook before my eyes on a 500-degree iron plate at Pepper Lunch was both dinner and entertainment! The theatrical sizzle when the raw ingredients hit the hot surface turns heads throughout the restaurant.
This Japanese fast-casual concept is rapidly expanding across Florida between 2024-2026. Plans include up to 10 locations in Orlando, Tampa, and Gainesville, bringing their unique DIY teppanyaki experience to hungry Floridians.
Unlike traditional Japanese steakhouses with high prices and long commitments, Pepper Lunch offers affordable, quick meals where customers control their own cooking. The signature pepper rice with corn, beef, and their secret honey brown sauce creates instant converts. My college student budget appreciates their reasonable prices!
10. Torchy’s Tacos – Texas-Sized Flavor Invasion
Torchy’s Tacos makes me question everything I thought I knew about tacos! Their ‘Trailer Park’ taco (fried chicken, green chilies, and queso) completely changed my taco expectations forever.
This Austin-born chain landed in Altamonte Springs late 2023, bringing their ‘Damn Good’ tagline and irreverent attitude to Central Florida. Lines stretched around the block during opening week as curious locals discovered their creative combinations and generous portions.
More Orlando-area locations are already in development as Floridians embrace these decidedly non-traditional tacos. Their margaritas and street corn also deserve special mention! The restaurant’s funky decor and relaxed vibe perfectly match Florida’s casual dining preferences.
11. Skyline Chili: Cincinnati’s Gift to Florida
My first 3-Way at Skyline Chili was a confusing but delicious experience! The cinnamon-spiced chili ladled over spaghetti and topped with a mountain of shredded cheddar created a flavor combination I never knew I needed.
This Ohio-born chain finally made its way to Central Florida, opening at Disney’s Flamingo Crossings. Midwestern transplants lined up for hours, eager to taste the comfort food from back home.
Skyline’s unique approach to chili – served on hot dogs, spaghetti, potatoes, or in bowls – offers something completely different from typical Florida fare. Their ‘Ways’ system (3-Way, 4-Way, 5-Way) adds various toppings to the base of spaghetti and chili, creating a customizable comfort food experience that’s winning over curious locals.
12. Sickies Garage Burgers & Brews – Automotive-Themed Appetite
The ‘Glazed Donut Burger’ at Sickies Garage changed my understanding of sweet-savory combinations forever! This North Dakota import brings automotive-themed dining and over 50 burger variations to the Sunshine State.
Since opening two Orlando-area locations in 2021-2022, they’ve attracted attention with outrageous creations like the ‘Twin Cam’ (double patty with mac and cheese) and the ‘Jameson’. The garage-themed decor features car parts, license plates, and even vehicles hanging from ceilings.
Beyond burgers, their wings, sandwiches, and extensive craft drinks selection create a perfect casual dining experience. The restaurant’s high-energy atmosphere and indulgent menu items have quickly made it a favorite for groups and families looking for something beyond typical chain fare.
13. Portillo’s: Chicago Classics Head South
My first Italian beef sandwich at Portillo’s was a gloriously messy affair! The juices ran down to my elbows as I awkwardly attempted to maintain some dignity while devouring this Chicago classic.
Since debuting in Orlando in 2021, this Windy City institution has been expanding throughout Central Florida. Their iconic Chicago-style hot dogs (never ketchup!), Italian beef sandwiches, and chocolate cake shakes draw both nostalgic Midwestern transplants and curious locals.
The retro-themed restaurants feature 1950s and 1960s decor with vintage cars and memorabilia creating a time-capsule dining experience. Multiple new locations are planned across the region, bringing more authentic Chicago street food to Floridians who previously had to travel north to experience these iconic flavors.
14. Jollibee: Filipino Flavor Revolution
Trying Chickenjoy at Jollibee for the first time was a revelation! The perfectly crispy skin giving way to juicy meat underneath explained why people lined up for hours during their Orlando grand opening.
This Filipino fast-food phenomenon began its Florida takeover in early 2023. Their unique menu items like sweet spaghetti with hot dogs and ham, peach-mango pie, and their signature fried chicken have created an instant cult following.
Beyond just food, Jollibee represents cultural connection for Florida’s growing Filipino community. The mascot, a smiling red bee, has become an unexpected ambassador for Filipino cuisine. Multiple Orlando-area locations are now operating with consistent lines, proving that Floridians are embracing these unique flavor combinations from halfway around the world.