Our Story

On September 28, 2022, Hurricane Ian’s expected impact point had shifted over ten times in about 12 hours. Finally, and unfortunately, settling on Cayo Costa and the southern tip of Gasparilla Island. South Beach Bar & Grille took a direct hit from over 155 mile per hour winds. The 60-year old structure and landmark restaurant held it’s own until the roof blew off and eventually a fire started that completely destroyed the original structure.

The next day, the owners who were not allowed back on the Island found out through social media and drone footage that their restaurant had been completely destroyed by Hurricane Ian.

A few days later, when the Island opened up, the owners Bart DeStefano and Marco Meola, led a small group of restaurant employees out to the restaurant site. With charcoals still smoldering, the small party sifted through the remains and recovered a few pieces from the original restaurant: a metal fish, a Tuscan mosaic of the restaurant, and the directional sign from the beach noting distances to other unique destinations.

Facing the reality of what occurred, and seeing the devastation for themselves, was heartbreaking for Bart and Marco. The business they had built was unique and had been a fixture in the small Boca Grande Community for over 40 years. But, of top concern, were the numerous employees who relied on the restaurant to provide for their families. It soon became known across the Island that South Beach Bar & Grille was the only total commercial loss on the Island. As the reality of this total loss set in, most people’s advice to Bart and Marco was to not rebuild, sell the land, and comfortably move on.

Through fortitude and determination, Bart and Marco decided not just to rebuild South Beach, but also to get back in business. Within 90-days of Hurricane Ian’s destruction, they achieved the impossible. They employed the core employees and opened a new restaurant, Mimi’s 3rd Street Grille in downtown Boca Grande. This key first step got their employees back to work and provided some sense of stability.

For over 16 months, the owners have pushed forward, without taking a salary for themselves, with their plan to rebuild South Beach Bar & Grille. They are determined to deliver on their commitment to their employees and the Boca Grande Community, who view South Beach as a steadfast fixture where families have gathered year after year. This commitment remains strong, even in the face of adversity after adversity. There has been no institutional support from their bank or their hurricane insurance company. The bank called their loan even after they had assured them that all they had to do was keep making their payments (which they did). In addition, they have been forced to sue for hurricane insurance payment. We call this commitment South Beach Strong!

Maybe this is your first visit here, your tenth, or your 50th. Whether you are a local on or off the Island, or traveled here as a destination, we hope you enjoy the local Island charm and vibe that keeps people coming back. South Beach Bar & Grille welcomes you! You are now a part of Bart and Marco’s story that we call..…..South Beach Strong!

Visit Us

760 Gulf Blvd

Boca Grande, FL 33921

Hours
Monday–Sunday
11:30 AM - 9:00 PM

Phone
(941) 964 - 0765