JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A Five Points staple is set to close by the end of the year.
Rain Dogs' owner Christina Wagner announced the closure on the bar's Facebook page, stating its last day in operation will be New Year's Eve. The post received dozens of replies of people offering support.
"Thank you for letting me conduct this incredible social experiment for almost twelve years; it has been an absolute honor," Wagner wrote.
Named after a Tom Waits song, Rain Dogs has a stage in the back, which provided a venue for local bands like Flipturn, Glazed and Faze Wave. It also hosted standup comedy, support groups and karaoke. Its former bouncer and soundman F. Kyle Marshall, who died in 2018, is immortalized on the wall.
"I have always been stubborn, and have a hard time walking away, but I have exhausted every option, and I have to do what’s best for my family. I have called this strip home since the 90’s, but a lot has changed in the past eleven years, and I feel like we’re on different paths. I was fighting against the tide for so long, my legs just gave out," Wagner continued.
Rain Dogs' closure follows Alewife, Sun-Ray Cinema, Mixed Fillings Pie Shop and Wall Street on Park Street as the face of Five Points continues to change rapidly.
