The Swamp Restaurant at 1642 W University Ave. will stay open despite new construction around it.
A press release sent out today by the 908 Group, which owns the property, stated The Swamp will stay open and be incorporated into the new development.
On April 16, the group announced plans to build a student apartment complex where the restaurant currently sits. There was immediate backlash from the Gainesville community, resulting in a petition to keep Swamp open and a Florida lawmaker attempting to make the restaurant a historical location.
“We want to correct the misperception that The Swamp Restaurant is going away,” said Brian Detri, director of construction and management of the 908 Group.
Grill Fresh, a health food restaurant next door, permanently shut its doors after the property was bought.
On Monday, the restaurant announced its closing in a statement on its Facebook page. There is now a sign on the front of the business that says it will be moving to Palm Harbor, which is over 100 miles away on Florida’s west coast.
The 908 Group confirmed The Swamp will be incorporated in the new mixed-use development while keeping the best parts of its current design. The outdoor patio and other historic elements will remain the same.
The new design will upgrade facilities and incorporate a larger kitchen and dining area.
Detri and Swamp owner Ronald DeFilippo said their priority is to honor the legacy of the restaurant. The Swamp has opened in its current state since 1994. The original structure was lost in a fire.
The extreme level of support from customers who thought The Swamp would be closing permanently was much appreciated by the restaurant’s staff and management, DeFilippo said.
“It will continue to be a great Gator experience on the same site under the same management,” DeFilippo said.
The Swamp Restaurant's current structure opened in 1994 after the previous building was destroyed in a fire. The beloved restaurant and game day destination will remain open despite construction around it.
Grill Fresh, a health food restaurant next door to The Swamp Restaurant, announced its closing on Monday following the purchase of the property it sits on.
