A restaurateur who owns Piesanos and Gator’s Dockside locations in Ocala has permanently closed one of his restaurants in Gainesville.
The Original Gator’s Dockside Gainesville location at 3842 Newberry Road officially closed its doors on Monday, December 1.
“This was a tough decision, and we’re truly grateful for every guest, team member, and memory made here,” reads a statement posted by the restaurant to social media. “Thank you, Gainesville, for your support and loyalty.”
The location was only around seven miles east of the Gator’s Dockside in Jonesville, which is situated on the same roadway.
Outside of Gainesville, there are locations nearby in Ocala (3920 SW 42nd Street) and The Villages (3698 Meggison Road).
The shuttered location, as well as the restaurants in Jonesville, Ocala, and multiple other cities, are owned by franchisee Jerry Roberts. In addition to Gator’s Dockside, Roberts also co-owns Piesanos Stone Fire Pizza.
Roberts opened the restaurant in Jonesville in 2024.
No additional details were provided regarding the closure of the facility in Gainesville.
Founded in 1991 in Jacksonville, there are now just under two dozen Gator’s Dockside restaurants in operation across the state of Florida.
What are your thoughts on the sudden closure of the sports bar? Share them with us in a letter to the editor.