Gourmet boiled peanut restaurant Randeez Nutz Express closes in south Jacksonville

Teresa Stepzinski, Florida Times-Union
·1 min read
The signature Randy's Brunch Burger was popular with guests at Randeez Nutz Express, which recently closed.
The signature Randy's Brunch Burger was popular with guests at Randeez Nutz Express, which recently closed.

A Jacksonville gourmet boiled peanut entrepreneur closed his first brick-and-mortar restaurant last week slightly more than a year since it opened.

Randeez Nutz Express, 14985 Old Saint Augustine Road, shut its doors permanently last Thursday   owner and chef Randy Waters announced on the restaurant's Facebook page.

Waters posted that the closure resulted from investors purchasing the lease. He thanked his customers and said a sports bar might move into his restaurant space.

Waters couldn't be reached for comment. It was unknown whether he might revive his roadside boiled peanut stand or relocate the restaurant.

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Smoked collard greens boiled peanuts were among the most popular flavors of artisan boiled peanuts at Randeez Nutz Express, which is now closed.
Smoked collard greens boiled peanuts were among the most popular flavors of artisan boiled peanuts at Randeez Nutz Express, which is now closed.

A U.S. Air Force veteran and chef, Waters elevated boiled peanuts from a humble roadside snack to gourmet fare.

He sold boiled peanuts with a rotation of at least 60 different flavors from a mobile roadside stand for five years before launching the restaurant, which was the first of its kind boiled peanut-centric establishment in Northeast Florida.

Randy Waters served up his specialty boiled peanuts from his roadside trailer before opening a brick-and-mortar restaurant, which has now closed.
Randy Waters served up his specialty boiled peanuts from his roadside trailer before opening a brick-and-mortar restaurant, which has now closed.

His gourmet legumes had garnered loyal customers throughout Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia. Some regularly drove up to 50 miles on a weekend day for a cup packed to the brim with Randeez Nutz.

The restaurant showcased Cajun-Asian fusion cuisine. It also offered Karaoke and other entertainment. It also offered roasted oysters, barbecue, gumbo and fried or grilled fish or seafood.

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Randeez Nutz Express replaced the former Pig barbecue in the shopping center.

This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Jacksonville restaurant Randeez Nutz gourmet boiled peanuts closes