Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille St. Pete Location Closing, Reopening As New Concept

ST. PETERSBURG, FL — Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille is closing one of its two St. Petersburg location this summer.

After its closure, the property will be redeveloped and then reopen as a new concept - Boca Ciega Waterfront Bar & Grill, multiple reports said.

The last day in business for the regional chain’s Jungle Terrace restaurant at 8790 Bay Pines Blvd. will be Aug. 2, according to a social media post by Doc Ford’s.

“Thank you to everyone who has joined us at our Jungle Terrace location over the years,” the ownership team wrote. “We’ve loved being part of your lunches, dinners, celebrations and everyday get-togethers. We’re truly thankful you picked us.”

Doc Ford’s St. Pete Pier, Sanibel Beach and Fort Myers Beach will remain open.

After the location closes, it will undergo remodeling Aug. 2-9, with a planned reopening as Boca Ciega Waterfront Bar & Grill on Aug. 10, St. Pete Rising reported.

“Nothing’s changing except for the name, some decorations on the inside and just a few small menu changes,” general manager Dustin Rickards told the Tampa Bay Times.

He told the times that the decision stems from the confusion of having two St. Petersburg Doc Ford’s restaurants.

“It’s something we’ve actually talked about doing for a little while,” Rickards said. “We’ll have half a reservation show up here, half of them show up downtown. People call here and place to-go orders, and they think they’re calling the Pier location.”

The new restaurant will remain under the umbrella of the HM Restaurant Group, which also operates Doc Ford’s locations, reports said.

The company’s other concepts include Dixie Fish Company, Bonita Fish Company and Gloria’s Sauce.

The Doc Ford’s concept is inspired by a character of the same name featured in more than 30 novels by Florida author Randy Wayne White.

White first licensed the name, as well as book-related design and menu ideas to Island House Restaurants in 2003, St. Pete Catalyst said. HMRG later took over that contract in 2015.

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