Texas Roadhouse in Jacksonville Shuts Down After Kitchen Fire Causes $25K in Damages
JACKSONVILLE, NC — A beloved local Texas Roadhouse location is temporarily shuttered after a kitchen fire Tuesday night forced an evacuation and caused thousands in damages. While no one was injured, the closure leaves a gap in the community’s dining scene as the restaurant awaits inspection and repairs.
A Popular Spot in Jacksonville’s Dining Landscape
Situated at 103 Moosehaven Road, this Texas Roadhouse has been a go-to spot for casual family dinners, birthday celebrations, and Friday night gatherings for years. Known for its fresh-baked bread rolls with cinnamon butter, hand-cut steaks, and line-dancing servers, the restaurant has built a loyal following in Jacksonville since opening its doors.
Its convenient location, friendly service, and generous portions made it a reliable choice for locals craving hearty comfort food. Many longtime patrons have fond memories of celebrating special occasions here — from graduation dinners to anniversaries — making the sudden closure all the more surprising.
How the Fire Started
According to Jacksonville Fire and Emergency Services (JFES), crews responded to the scene at 7:49 p.m. on Tuesday after reports of flames and smoke coming from the restaurant. JFES Media Liaison Beth Purcell confirmed that the building was safely evacuated before firefighters arrived.
Eight fire units worked quickly to contain the blaze, which was determined to be caused by a grease fire in the kitchen that spread into the ventilation hood, said JFES Chief Jerry Hardison. Flames were visible coming from the roof, but swift action kept the damage from escalating further.
The fire was fully contained in a short time, but not before causing an estimated $25,000 in damages to the kitchen and ventilation systems.
Immediate Closure and Inspections Ahead
Following the incident, the Onslow County Health Department will need to inspect the premises before any reopening can occur. Officials emphasized that safety and compliance are the top priorities, and no timeline for reopening has been given.
For now, employees are left waiting to hear when — or if — they will be called back to work. Management has not released a public statement beyond confirming that the location will remain closed until further notice.
Community Reaction
Word of the fire spread quickly on social media, with many locals expressing relief that no injuries occurred. “That’s our Friday night spot — can’t believe it’s closed,” one patron commented in a community Facebook group. Others offered support for staff members, encouraging residents to purchase gift cards for use once the restaurant reopens.
Some longtime customers shared personal memories, recalling the first time they tried the restaurant’s signature sirloin or the many nights they stopped by for a rack of ribs after a high school football game. The closure feels personal to many who see Texas Roadhouse not just as a chain, but as part of Jacksonville’s dining identity.
What’s Next for the Restaurant
While fire damage was relatively contained, the necessary repairs to the ventilation system, kitchen equipment, and roof will likely take weeks. Health inspections and possible structural checks could extend the downtime further.
If past closures due to kitchen fires are any indication, the restaurant could be looking at anywhere from a month to several months before reopening — depending on repair timelines and inspection results.
Author’s POV
As someone who has stopped by this Texas Roadhouse on multiple trips through Jacksonville, I know firsthand why it’s such a community staple. The warm smell of fresh bread rolls as you walk in, the upbeat energy of the staff, and the comfort of a well-cooked steak are hard to replicate. Seeing it dark and closed is a stark reminder of how quickly an everyday place can be disrupted by the unexpected.
When it does reopen, I suspect the first weekend will be packed with locals eager to get back to their favorite corner booth and reconnect over a basket of those legendary rolls.
Have you ever experienced a favorite restaurant closing unexpectedly? Share your memories in the comments and keep following CityScoopNow.com for updates on local restaurant reopenings and community events.