Once fixtures of our local dining scene, these restaurants have closed in recent years — but their memories linger.
15 iconic restaurants to visit in the Daytona, Flagler area
From local fish camps to family-owned pizzerias, here are over a dozen local restaurants that have stood the test of time in the Volusia-Flagler region.
(This story has been updated to correct a misspelling.)
The Daytona Beach area has welcomed hundreds of restaurants over the years, and while new spots seem to pop up as quickly as others close, some places leave a mark that time simply can’t erase.
These were the romantic dining rooms, fast-casual lunch spots and beachside joints that carried decades of memories — and still spark nostalgia long after the last plate was served. While some have since been replaced, housing new restaurants in their once-iconic locations, others remain empty reminders of a beloved past. From New Smyrna Beach up to Bunnell, here are 10 shuttered restaurants we can’t help but look back on.
Alfie’s Restaurant, a beloved mom-and-pop shop, closed over the summer
Following a nearly 40-year run in Ormond-by-the-Sea, Alfie’s Restaurant, located at 1666 Ocean Shore Blvd., closed its doors in July under owners Greg and Dina Evans after the couple announced their well-earned retirement. Greg had run the local restaurant, which his parents started in Jamestown, New York, in 1969, since the mid ‘80s, ultimately nurturing a business whose impact extended far beyond the dining room — from providing free Thanksgiving meals to those in need, to supporting countless community fundraisers.
Known for its home-style cooking, Alfie’s was a place where fried fish and fried ice cream reigned, where a life-size gator beckoned guests inside and where four decades of family gatherings, first dates and hometown stories unfolded. The restaurant officially sold in August, according to recent public records, and though the space’s future has yet to be defined, the memories live on.
The Chicken Pantry, a fried chicken staple, closed in 2024
It was the end of an era when Flagler County’s Chicken Pantry, located at 602 E. Moody Blvd., closed shop last year, after nearly seven decades. When a note taped to the eatery’s door previously detailed its temporary closing, many customers hoped for the best, though the restaurant would go on to quietly close for good in March 2024.
The iconic eatery began serving customers in 1956 and went through a variety of ownership and location changes over the decades, ultimately landing at its final location — a former Pizza Hut in Bunnell — where it maintained a vast menu of fried chicken, pot pie, flapjacks and other Southern comfort foods. After auctioning off much its décor and equipment last spring, the no-frills joint was soon replaced with Redneck Rick’s Cooking, which carried on the tradition of homestyle southern cooking with biscuit breakfasts, meatloaf, barbecue and more.
Ormond’s D.B. Pickles suddenly shuttered in July
After two decades in Ormond Beach, D.B. Pickles, located at 400 S. Nova Road, abruptly closed its doors over the summer, to the shock of both customers and employees of the beloved restaurant. After opening in 2006 under its original owner Pete Polzella, D.B Pickles sold roughly two years ago to owner Michael Dekorte, who, according to messages sent to staff, closed the eatery due to various financial reasons.
The full-service restaurant, Italian-American deli and bakery gained popularity early on for its pickle bar and remained a local go-to for its generous portion sizes, fresh-baked treats and casual atmosphere. Whether feasting on one of many stacked deli sandwiches or char-grilled burgers, Italian specialties or classic and kosher comfort foods, D.B. Pickles served a culinary variety that Ormond Beach locals continue to crave, months after its permanent shuttering.
Delcato’s Italian Restaurant sold its last slices in 2024
The day Delcato’s went dark last year in Ormond Town Square marked the end of a 30-year tradition of homestyle Italian cooking. For some, its pizza and pasta were part of childhood itself; for others, it was a lucky find on a hunger-driven whim. For most, its the memory of Nonna’s secret recipes that still lingers.
Born from a New York City father-and-son duo, the local eatery, housed at 1474 W. Granada Blvd. in Ormond Beach, got its start in Port Orange and went on to build a reputation for its thin-crust pizzas, among other items, from its Greek salad to its veal Parmigiana. A reason for the closure was not provided when the restaurant announced its decision on social media, and while Delcato’s remains listed as “temporarily closed” on Google, an online auction selling the restaurant’s equipment took place last summer, according to Facebook posts.
Family-owned gem, Frappe’s Italian Grille, closed 3 years ago
Following 20 years in Ormond Beach, Frappe’s Italian Grille, located at 123 W. Granada Blvd., permanently closed in summer 2022 under owner Meryl Frappier, who opened the restaurant in 1997 alongside her late husband, Bobby. Likened to “Cheers” by years-loyal customers, the family-run restaurant, a dining destination where weddings, birthdays and holidays were celebrated, held its community close with monthly wine tastings, cooking classes and mealtime memories that still endure today.
Following its closure, the near century-old building returned to its roots under local developer Bill Jones and restaurateur Joe Oliva. The duo reopened the downtown restaurant as Alexander’s Prime — an art-deco-inspired steakhouse — last year, nearly three decades after the original Alexander’s restaurant closed shop at that very location.
LuLu’s Oceanside Grill permanently closed in 2024
LuLu’s Oceanside Grill, located at 30 S. Atlantic Ave., was among more than three dozen local restaurants to close their doors last year, after nearly 20 years serving Ormond Beach locals and visitors alike. Former owners Patrick Moynihan and Jerimee Gum announced the longstanding restaurant’s shuttering over social media last summer, noting the decision to “move forward” and not renew their lease. The self-proclaimed “beachside jewel,” had welcomed the new owners in 2020, according to its website.
From shrimp and grits to lobster mac, the family-friendly joint was known for its coastal fare and easy-going vibe. Customers could often be found sipping an island cocktail while listening to live tunes from the eatery’s pet-friendly patio or enjoying a casual weekend brunch, complemented by mimosas and bloody marys. The former restaurant was purchased last year by Salty Church, who plans to transform the space into a coffee shop.
Ocean’s Seafood, beloved market and restaurant, closed 3 years ago
After a 25-year run in New Smyrna Beach, Ocean’s Seafood, located at 601 E. Third Ave., shuttered in 2022 under owner Robert Rutkowski. The fresh-fish dining hub — a place where flavor and service took precedence over atmosphere — was favored for its unbeatable prices, fish sandwiches and fried fish and shrimp baskets. It even housed its own seafood market, stocked with offerings sourced from local fisherman for those who preferred grabbing their fish to-go and prepping it themselves at home.
The East Third Avenue restaurant ultimately closed due to the end of its lease, and will soon be replaced by Pickett’s Seafood. The restaurant, market, and bar which has not announced an opening date, is co-owned by Matthew Pickett, his wife, Samantha, and her parents Jeff and Paige Gehris, owners of The Garlic. Pickett previously noted plans to bring back former menu favorites, including baskets and fish sandwiches, as well a stocked fish market, indoor and outdoor seating and, eventually, a full bar.
Pappa’s, where Brad Pitt filmed, shut down in 2024
For more than 50 years, Pappa’s Drive-In & Family Restaurant — located at 1103 N. Dixie Freeway in New Smyrna Beach — was home to locals and visitors looking to enjoy its famous fried chicken, burgers and shakes in a space time-worn and untouched by industry trends.
The local landmark since 1970 opened under original owner Chris Pappas before being purchased by its most recent owner Vic Ganoe in 2023. It made major headlines last year when A-lister Brad Pitt stopped by the restaurant to film for “F1 The Movie,” which debuted in theaters earlier this summer, though the real news hit in March 2024 — just two months later — when the restaurant was destroyed in a devastating overnight fire.
Pappa’s has since been demolished, leaving an empty lot where the long-loved gathering place once stood. Following its closing, Pappa’s longtime chef Eddie Wilbur, alongside 16-year employee Bobbi Hannan, went on to honor Pappa’s memory — and menu — at Peggy’s Country Kitchen in Edgewater, where Wilbur, now co-owner, has re-introduced familiar Pappa’s favorites, like the chicken and dumplings and Eddie’s Famous Burgers.
Ritter’s ice cream shop closed after a quarter century in 2025
The famed 12-sided sweet stop known as Ritter’s Frozen Custard, located at 4629 Clyde Morris Blvd., closed its doors in January, after serving Port Orange for 25 years. The family gathering place for afternoon shakes and malts, post-dinner sundaes, and loaded Nathan’s hot dogs first opened in 1999 under owners John and Renee Dame, who parted ways with the 1,563-square-foot building after its lease expired, and its landlord put the property up for sale. The couple noted plans to look for a new location in the area.
Regulars could often be found enjoying a banana split, brownie sundae or glacier from one of the shop’s many outdoor tables, while children jumped, slid and swung from its onsite playground. Following its January closure, Ritter’s was replaced by Frozen Gold, a New Smyrna Beach-based ice cream brand that’s held a local presence since 1970.
Dining and Cooking