One of Jacksonville's longest-running eateries will expand its operation to St. Augustine's World Golf Village in the spring.
But in order to focus on developing that and other possible locations in the Sawgrass, Oakleaf and North Jacksonville areas, The Loop will shut down the Orange Park site it's operated for 33 years.
The Loop has 15 locations, ranging from Amelia Island and Avondale to Julington Creek and San Pablo Road. That also includes five in North Carolina, including Chapel Hill and Winston-Salem.
“We’ve served our Orange Park neighbors since 1990, and we look forward to serving you soon at one of our 10 Northeast Florida locations,” Loop chief marketing officer Marla Quattrone said in a news release.
The Orange Park site will close Feb. 15. The Loop plans to move Wells Road employees to other locations.
The original Loop, still operating in Jacksonville's San Marco Square, opened in 1981 as The Loop Pizza Grill.
The restaurant's original menu was based on pizzas and hamburgers with a Chicago theme. The company later began franchising across Northeast Florida. Franchise owner Maurilio Gonzalez signed a lease at the World Golf Village location, officials said. Gonzalez also operates Loops at Fleming Island, Nocatee, Julington Creek and Amelia Island.
Loop officials announced in November that the business would not renew its lease at the St Johns Town Center.
With the Orange Park closing, The Loop will offer 10%-off coupons that are valid at Fleming Island, Mandarin and Avondale sites.
