Residents of the Treasure Coast are bidding farewell to a longtime staple in the local dining scene. After twenty-three years of serving up seafood and waterfront views at the corner of Jensen Beach Boulevard and Indian River Drive, Mulligan’s Beach House in downtown Jensen Beach officially closed its doors on April 5. For diners who frequent the Vero Beach and Sebastian locations, the news highlights a shifting landscape for the familiar regional chain.
The closure stems from a complex situation regarding the property’s lease. Mulligan’s owner, George Hart, cited exorbitant rent rates as the primary reason for shuttering the Jensen Beach location. However, the details behind the staggering $40,000 a month lease are highly unique. According to landlord Trevor Pittman of Driftwood Real Estate, Hart previously owned the building and drafted his own lease terms before selling the property. When Driftwood Real Estate acquired the expansive 11,000-square-foot building in 2022, that original lease remained intact.
After 23 years, the Jensen Beach Mulligan’s Beach House has closed amid a dispute over a $40,000 monthly rent agreement—a lease the restaurant owner originally drafted himself before selling the property.
While the rent dispute was a driving factor, the closure also aligns with a broader operational strategy for the company. According to the restaurant’s vice president, Hart is actively downsizing as he moves toward retirement. The regional chain, which first opened its doors in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea in 1997, has seen several consolidations in recent years.
- The Pompano location was permanently closed during the coronavirus pandemic.
- Locations in Stuart, Lake Worth, and Lauderdale-by-the-Sea have also been closed over the last few years as part of the corporate downsizing effort.
- Treasure Coast locals can continue to visit remaining Mulligan’s Beach House locations in Vero Beach and Sebastian.
Despite the departure of the long-standing restaurant, the local business environment remains robust. Ron Rose, President and CEO of the Martin County Chamber of Commerce, noted that surrounding bars and eateries in the downtown Jensen Beach corridor are currently performing very well. Looking ahead, the massive waterfront property will likely see a new chapter. The current landlord is considering splitting the large space to accommodate two separate restaurants. Under this new plan, the rent would be renegotiated with new tenants, offering a fresh opportunity for culinary ventures on the Treasure Coast.
