National chains closing locations in east Ocala

A series of national chains have recently closed their locations in east Ocala.

Dollar General is the most recent addition to the growing list, with the closure of its store at Six Gun Plaza. The dollar store chain operates nearly two dozen other locations across the city of Ocala, including five in the northeast portion of the city.

Dollar General is not the only closure in Six Gun Plaza in the last few months.

The plaza, which is located at 4901 E Silver Springs Boulevard, saw the closure of Little Caesars at the beginning of the year. Currently, there are two other Little Caesars in operation in Ocala, including one at 1606 NW 10th Street.

Just a few blocks west of Six Gun Plaza, another national pizza chain closed its Ocala location earlier this year.

Pizza Hut shut down its restaurant at 3815 East Silver Springs Boulevard and will make way for a new KFC. There are currently seven Pizza Hut locations across Ocala, including multiple restaurants in the southwest portion of the city.

National chain closures have not been limited to east Ocala.

In 2019, Krystal’s closed the doors on its only Ocala location months before the company filed for bankruptcy in January 2020.

In May 2020, Pier One Imports closed the doors on its southwest Ocala location as part of a string of nation-wide closures.

Last summer, Ruby Tuesday’s closed the doors on its southwest Ocala location. Storming Crab Seafood recently opened a new restaurant in the shuttered location. 

Earlier this year, two former Wendy’s locations were replaced by a Tidal Wave Car Wash and a new Heart of Florida drive-thru pharmacy.