Southern Roots Filling Station announces closure months after facing possible 400% rent increase

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A Riverside restaurant that was facing a potential 400% increase in rent this summer is set to close its doors on Saturday, the owners announced on social media.

Action News Jax first told you in August about how Southern Roots Filling Station owner Juan Pablo Salvat was working to negotiate rent rates with the owner of their building at 1275 King Street.

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A Facebook post published to the business page Monday night said in part, “With the uncertainty of the rent/landlord situation (we have tried tirelessly to get more answers), we are worn out from so much unknown.”

Here is the text of the full message posted to the Southern Roots Filling Station Facebook page:

“This is a love note to you, anyone who has come into Southern Roots. It’s for you, who’s stopped in for a coffee, followed along on our journey, shared a story, been a regular, come in once, or even thought about coming in. Literally everyone who has been a part of the story that is Southern Roots and helped us to where we are today, thank you. We are forever grateful. We are so sad to announce that Southern Roots is closing. This has been the hardest decision we have ever made and writing this post is something I’ve dreaded ever having to write. With the uncertainty of the rent/landlord situation (we have tried tirelessly to get more answers), we are worn out from so much unknown. Our last day will be this Saturday, Dec. 31. Thank you for making Southern Roots such a special place. It truly feels like a staple in the community. To have started from a farmer’s market stand and grown to this, has truly been a dream come to fruition. Thank you for making that possible. We hope nothing but the greatest things for each of you and we look forward to seeing you around town. Hopefully we will see you this week in the shop for our final week of service. From our hearts to yours, we wish you well -- Mariah & JP”

Action News Jax’s Kennedy Dendy is digging into what this business closure means for the community and will have the latest on CBS47 and FOX30 Action News Jax at 6.

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Priced out of Jax: Local coffee shop rent could increase 400%