ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. – It is truly the end of an era for two restaurants in St. Johns County.
Scarlett O’Hara’s in historic St. Augustine closed its doors after 50 years. A notice said the next-door cocktail bar and nightclub, Dos Gatos, also closed.
The well-known restaurants announced the closures on social media Tuesday. The statement said in part:
“It’s a heartbreaking thing to close as a business, especially one with a long history such as Scarlett’s. As much as the stars aligned against us, as much as we fought, we still failed her and frankly my dear, that sucks. Anyway, good night Scarlett. We really did give a damn.”
Scarlett’s writes that many factors brought it to this point.
“...as much as we’ve fought the fight, at the end of the day skyrocketing costs, the pandemic’s linger affect on tourism and the natural change of Guests’ tastes have won the day.”
Notably, Scarlett O’Hara’s has been around for 50 years — but the building even more so, over 100.
“To our amazing guests, locals and visitors alike, you were our reason. Through two hurricanes that brought waters up to our walls, we rebuilt. Through a pandemic, we stayed open trying to keep the dream alive, to keep the good times rolling. For you,” the restaurant writes. “We thank you for being there each and every time.”