Over the weekend, many may have noticed a surge of Long John Silver’s advertisements on TV, sparking a familiar question: Are they still around? For those in Sioux Falls and surrounding areas, the answer regarding a local spot is bittersweet.
The Long John Silver’s that was once a fixture on Minnesota Avenue in Sioux Falls has been closed for quite some time, nearly a decade in fact. This particular location reportedly closed its doors in October 2014, as the franchise owner at the time decided to shut down several underperforming restaurants in the region.
The building that formerly housed Long John Silver’s in Sioux Falls didn’t remain vacant for long. It was repurposed into a Gilberto’s Mexican restaurant. However, even Gilberto’s moved on a few years ago, relocating next door to a vacant Wendy’s location in 2019.
With the season of Lent upon us, it’s no surprise that Long John Silver’s, along with other restaurants specializing in seafood, are ramping up their advertising efforts. If those commercials have triggered a craving for their signature fish and chips, you’ll need to venture a bit outside of Sioux Falls to find an open location.
While Sioux Falls may no longer have a Long John Silver’s, there are still reportedly three locations operating in South Dakota. The closest of these is about 160 miles north of Sioux Falls in Aberdeen. The other two are located further west in Rapid City and Spearfish.
However, for those in the Sioux Falls area with an immediate need for Long John Silver’s, a shorter trip might be in order. Just about 75 miles south, in Sioux City, Iowa, you can still find a Long John Silver’s location on Sergeant Road, conveniently situated in front of the Southern Hills Mall.
So, if you’re longing for some popcorn shrimp or those addictive hush puppies, a weekend road trip might be just what you need. A seafood feast awaits!
Source: Long John Silver’s.com
