In a gut punch to Jacksonville’s southside dining scene, Chef Johnathan Streeter says his Streeter Acclaimed Kitchen was destroyed by a fire late Saturday. In the aftermath, he has launched a GoFundMe to help cover payroll and relocation costs, hoping to keep his staff paid and the business alive long enough to find a new home. Streeter says the damage is beyond repair at the current site and that he is now trying to break a lease that runs through 2029 so the restaurant can eventually reopen elsewhere.
How the fire unfolded
According to the campaign description on GoFundMe, Streeter said he first smelled something burning at the restaurant around 4 p.m. Saturday. He left the Crane Avenue location at about 7 p.m., then got a call around 9:30 p.m. that the building was on fire. He has attributed the blaze to an electrical issue and says the destruction is too extensive to repair.
Speaking about the aftermath, Streeter told Action News Jax, “The uncertainty and financial strain are overwhelming, but I am determined to keep my team supported and rebuild.”
Fundraiser details
The fundraiser on GoFundMe sets a goal of $11,000 to cover payroll, relocation costs and other urgent expenses. At the time of publication, the page showed $6,250 raised from 105 donors. The campaign text reiterates the fire timeline and asks supporters to help bridge the gap while Streeter searches for a new space, stressing that taking care of staff and paying moving costs are the immediate priorities.
About the restaurant
Streeter Acclaimed Kitchen operated out of a southside Jacksonville storefront at 7185 Crane Avenue and built a steady local following before the fire. The restaurant was known for menu staples like shrimp fried rice, lamb chops and the chef’s mac and cheese, as highlighted on its website. Before the blaze, it focused on takeout and delivery through third-party platforms, carving out a niche as a neighborhood go-to.
What’s next for Streeter
Streeter told Action News Jax he is working to get out of the lease, which runs through 2029, so he can relocate and bring his team back to work. He said he hopes to reopen “bigger and better than ever,” but acknowledged that the pace of fundraising will determine how quickly employees can be paid and how soon a new location can come together. For now, the GoFundMe campaign is the central lifeline for community members who want to help Streeter and his staff get a fresh start.
