Gainesville’s sports bar scene has shrunk after Gator’s Dockside permanently closed the college town’s Newberry Road location in Royal Park Plaza on Monday. 

Behind a front door sign announcing the closure, televisions still scrolled sports headlines in the empty dining room as uniformed employees packed up the kitchen’s remaining supplies into trucks and trailers. 

The sign did not give a reason for the closure and encouraged customers to visit the Florida-based chain’s Jonesville location, which opened at 14126 W Newberry Rd., Ste. 10, in March 2024. 

On-site staff at the Gator’s Dockside in Gainesville declined to comment on the closure. 

Management at the Jonesville location said the company had briefly talked about it but did not give many details. They said they did not know what would happen to the Gainesville location’s staff. 

Gator’s Dockside has already removed the closed storefront from the list of locations on its website. 

“After many incredible years, our Gator’s Dockside location at 3842 Newberry Rd. Is closed as of December 1, 2025,” the sign on the door read. “This was a tough decision—this location has always felt like home. To every guest, team member and fan who shared game days, birthdays and wing nights with us: thank you for the memories. You’ll always be part of the Gator’s family.” 

The closure quickly struck a chord with the community and former patrons as a Facebook post from the restaurant garnered 293 reactions, 131 shares and 114 comments within five hours. 

“Used to go here a lot when I was a student. Loved it and even watched the 2008 National Championship [football] game sitting at the bar,” posted Peter Tromboni. 

“So many memories. Wednesday night trivia was the best,” said Shawn Gueimunde. 

Gainesville lost another sports bar in October after Ballyhoo Grill was evicted for $30,750 in unpaid rent.