Benny’s Restaurant closing its doors

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This article was published 22/07/2025 (247 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Benny’s Restaurant — once a staple of downtown Brandon’s culinary and community space — will close its doors for the last time on Aug. 2.

The restaurant’s owners announced the closure on social media Tuesday, prompting a wave of tributes from longtime patrons who called the Rosser Avenue eatery more than just a place to eat, but “a second home.”

“After much consideration, we’ve made the difficult decision to close Benny’s Restaurant after August 2nd,” the post read. “Thank you to everyone who has supported us, big or small, near or far. While Benny’s closes its door, the memories and connections we’ve made will last a lifetime.”

The announcement struck a chord with the community, many of whom took to social media later in the day to express their appreciation and sadness.

The legacy of founder Ben Hernandez, who had been a familiar face on the local restaurant scene for years, lives on, longtime patron Ivan Strain said.

“So sorry that this has to happen going way back,” he wrote. “From the Strain people who used Benny’s over the years, thank you so much for the services to Westman and the area. God bless and goodbye.”

Hernandez, who founded Benny’s Restaurant in 2016 at 612 Rosser Ave., passed away on Sept. 29, 2023 at the age of 61.

Known for his generosity, humility and passion for community, Hernandez left a lasting legacy in Brandon that was formally recognized with the Brandon Chamber of Commerce Lifetime Business Award in 2024.

Following his passing, Ben’s wife, Debbie, and daughters, Elizabeth and Natalie, continued running the business, determined to keep his memory alive through the restaurant. “Honestly, I didn’t realize how big of a staple it was in Brandon until my dad passed,” Elizabeth said. “Ben treated everyone like family.”

Despite their efforts, the family eventually made the decision to step away. The restaurant was sold on Feb. 1, 2024, with the new ownership promising at the time to maintain the beloved menu and staff.

“Rest assured, our menu and staff will remain the same,” the owners posted shortly after taking over. “You will continue to enjoy the same exceptional dining experience you know and love.”

Now, as the restaurant prepares to close, the owners expressed thanks for the support they received.

Benny’s history in Brandon dates back further than its 2016 founding. Hernandez arrived in the city in 2001, managing several high-profile restaurants, including Remington’s and the former Five Guys location at Shoppers Mall. After Remington’s shut down, he rebranded The Green Olive as Benny’s Restaurant, blending his passion for food and community into a vibrant downtown venue.

The restaurant’s final days will see it open Wednesday through Saturday, from 4 to 9 p.m., until the official closure on Aug. 2. Customers are encouraged to use their gift certificates before then.

While the physical space may close, the owners hinted there may still be more to come.

“Stay tuned for updates on how we plan to keep the spirit of Benny’s alive,” the post said.

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