- December 4, 2025
D.B. Pickles in Ormond Beach has now closed.
The restaurant announced its closure with a sign posted on the building's front door, dated July 20.
Longtime employees stated on various Facebook pages that they were notified of the restaurant's closure via a text shortly after midnight on Monday, July 21.
"Everyone, with great sadness, and my apologies for sending so late, I am informing you that we can no longer stay in business, the extraordinary costs of repairing, and lately the replacing of high value equipment, and now roof top AC replacement is just not feasible, the hole is just too deep, and no help is available, as I hoped I may find out today, and confirmed," the text read.
Employees were also told that the restaurant's owner, listed as Michael Dekorte on the Florida Division of Corporations, would be filing for bankruptcy and that they would all be named as there are not enough funds for the past payroll. The text stated they would all be contacted by a court appointed trustee.
"I am sorry, I tried, and hoped to find a way to pull through the slow season, but it's just too high of a hill to climb," the text, as shared on Facebook, continued. "Thank you to all for your support and contributions to help make Pickles a success, many of you have so many years here, thank you!"
According to the Division of Corporations, DeKorte took over the restaurant in 2022.
Three employees launched a GoFundMe page shortly after hearing the news, with a goal to raise $88,000.
"DB Pickles, a unique deli and bakery, has been a staple in our community since the early 2000s," the GoFundMe states. "Overnight, our team of 22 dedicated workers lost our jobs when the restaurant closed unexpectedly. Many of us have worked together for years, building close relationships with each other and with our loyal customers. The sudden closure has left us without our paychecks for this week, and we’re all facing immediate financial challenges as we try to cover rent, groceries, and other essentials."
Every dollar raised, the page stated, will be split among all 22 workers.
The Ormond Beach Observer reached out to two DB Pickles employees via email and social media, as well as the restaurant, but did not receive responses in time for publication.
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