Southern American comfort food cravers will have to find a new go-to as Darrell’s Dog Gone Good Diner closed its Gainesville location last week.
The diner with 4.4 stars on Google opened in 2020 at 3117 SW 34th St. Ste. 1 in University Town Center and operated as one of Darrell Warden’s 17 diner locations across North Central Florida.
Management at one of the Ocala locations said the brand closed the Gainesville storefront because it’s too far from their home office in Ocala.
According to signs posted on the empty storefront, Rice & Shine will be moving in.
The restaurant is from the creators of Zen Noodle Bar located next to the restaurant and will serve “classic brunch fare with an Asian flare,” including Filipino, Vietnamese, Japanese and Korean flavors.
Staff said they do not have an opening date yet as there is still a lot of work that needs to be done to get the space ready, but updates can be followed on Facebook.
“We look forward to serving you soon!” the sign said.
Rice & Shine adds to the area’s surrounding Asian cuisine offerings like Enson Market, Kung Fu Tea, Sohao Cafe, Bestea, Nine Slices Fondue and YH Chinese Cuisine.
