Longtime Jensen Beach restaurant Mulligan's Beach House closes after 23 years

The popular beachfront eatery shuttered due to high rent costs in the area.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 10:11am

An impressionistic, blurred image of a beachfront scene, with soft, warm tones and a sense of nostalgia, representing the loss of a cherished community gathering place.The closure of a beloved beachfront restaurant in Jensen Beach marks the end of an era for the local community.Jensen Beach Today

Mulligan's Beach House, a longtime restaurant in downtown Jensen Beach, Florida, has closed its doors after 23 years of operation. The owner, George Hart, cited exorbitant rent costs in the West Palm Beach area as the primary reason for the closure.

Why it matters

The closure of Mulligan's Beach House marks the end of an era for the Jensen Beach community, which had come to rely on the popular beachfront restaurant as a gathering place and local landmark. The high rent costs that led to the shutdown highlight the broader challenges facing small businesses in the region as real estate prices continue to rise.

The details

Mulligan's Beach House first opened its doors in 2002, establishing itself as a beloved destination for locals and visitors alike. The restaurant was known for its casual beachfront atmosphere, serving up a menu of classic American fare and offering stunning views of the Indian River. However, after over two decades in business, owner George Hart made the difficult decision to shut down the restaurant, citing the "exorbitant" rent costs in the West Palm Beach area as the primary factor.

  • Mulligan's Beach House opened in 2002.
  • The restaurant closed its doors on April 5, 2026, after 23 years of operation.

The players

George Hart

The owner of Mulligan's Beach House, who cited high rent costs as the reason for the restaurant's closure.

Mulligan's Beach House

A popular beachfront restaurant in downtown Jensen Beach, Florida, that operated for 23 years before closing in 2026.

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The takeaway

The closure of Mulligan's Beach House highlights the ongoing challenges facing small businesses in the Jensen Beach area, as rising real estate prices continue to put pressure on local establishments. The loss of this community landmark serves as a reminder of the importance of supporting and preserving the unique character of small-town Florida.