Wing-It Jax is closing for good on Friday. And the Mandarin restaurant's customers are showing the love
After 38 years in Mandarin, Wing-It Jax has closed its dining room. But fans of the mom-and-pop restaurant have two more days to enjoy its popular wings.
The restaurant will be offering carryout service only 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday.
“Thank you all for an amazing 25 years and an epic last month in business!” owners Dave and Charleen Morency said in a May 21 Facebook post. The couple took over the restaurant tucked in the corner of Mandarin Central shopping center at 11018 Old St Augustine Road in 1997.
“Again, thank you from the bottom of our hearts. We feel so fulfilled in how we have spent the last 25 years and this past month was a reminder of that, which was the perfect way to close this chapter.”
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Earlier this month, Dave Morency talked about his decision to close the restaurant.
"We've had a good run. But you know I'm pushing 70 and with the times as uncertain as they are and my lease here is up. … It's time to move on," Dave Morency told the Times-Union. "The last few years have brought a new set of liabilities with the chicken prices and labor shortages, and we just aren’t able to commit to a long-term lease and continue working at the level we have been to make it work."
In response to the couple’s Facebook post, Wing-It customers shared their memories and appreciation to the couple:
“Man, I am going to miss you guys. I’ve been eating your wings since ‘86, at your first location. Your wings have always been at the top of my list! Best of luck in your next chapter.” — Jason Gerona
“Wishing you both the best with your next chapter. You will be greatly missed but life will go on. Just might have to call in one last order since I'll have the chance.” — Debbie Capo Profetto
“Thanks for giving our families a place to hang out and eat the best wings for 25 years! Not to mention a place for the grumpy old men to hang out at the bar! You guys will be missed!” — Debbie O'Neal
"Thank you for the memories Mr. Dave and Mrs. Charleen!!!!!Charlene!!!!! I wish the legacy could continue, but totally understand the situation. Yall are Mandarin Legends. I had to explain to my 6 year old what Karaoke Friday meant. When ALL of the MSA teams were there having a blast!!!!!! The video games, and pool, and making friends. That's something I miss for this generation. Thank yall !!!!" — Josh Barta
"Thank you for putting up with our long ladies' lunches the last couple of years. Lol My family has been coming there for OVER 25 years and we're definitely going to miss you. Thank you for the wonderful memories!!" — Cindy Wilcox Carroll
Morency told the Times-Union he and his wife are in excellent health and "can't imagine slowing down." He plans to focus on his consulting business while she likely will continue teaching group fitness classes.
This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Jacksonville restaurant Wing-It Jax closing after 38 years
