MACON, Ga. — A Mercer Village pizza place is closing its doors for good, the restaurant announced on its Facebook page on Tuesday.
JAG's Pizzeria and Pub opened in March 2020, just days before the pandemic hit, restaurants were shuttered and Mercer students were sent home.
But despite making it through the turbulence of COVID-19, the restaurant announced their doors will not open again, and Tuesday would be the restaurant's last day in operation.
"This decision was not an easy one to make," the pizzeria said on Facebook. "We would much rather stay and continue to serve our customers as that is our greatest passion but a number of factors makes that possibility impractical."
JAG's replaced another pizza restaurant Sauced, and they kept many of the same offerings — and the same recipes — as the previous location, according to previous reporting.
However, when the restaurant opened, they added a full-service bar too.
The restaurant became a staple in Mercer Village, appealing to Mercer students and community members during its nearly four years in operation.
"We also want to thank our outstanding customers for coming to JAG'S over the years to celebrate gamedays, graduations, birthdays, or to just enjoy an evening out with friends and family," the post said. "Our JAG'S family has a trove of memories to cherish because of all of you."
The Facebook post highlighted the stakeholders — internal and external — who were a part of making JAGs happen.
"Since our opening in 2020, we have had the privilege of working with so many wonderfully talented individuals, both within the service industry and in the greater community," the statement. "We want to thank Mercer University for their continued support throughout these last few years."
The restaurant is owned by the same group that runs Piedmont Brewery and Downtown Grill along with Miramar, Brasserie Circa, Grits Cafe and Lilliana's at Society Garden.
It is unclear what the future holds for employees at the restaurant. But the statement expressed their gratitude to the employees for their role in making the restaurant what it was.
"Your continued commitment to our establishment and our customers has meant more than you know and we will be forever grateful for having you as part of the team," the post said.
The announcement comes on the heels of the closure of another restaurant in Mercer Village, Nu-Way Weiners.
Nu-Way said that their sales were dampened by the location not having a drive-thru window, which is responsible for 70% of the sales at most locations.
The building where Nu-way once was will become Bear Burgers from the creator of Keene's Kafe. But as of now, it is also unclear what business will move into the space where JAGs once was.
We are working to reach a representative for the group for additional comment and what the future will hold for the restaurant's employees.