The Treasure Coast dining landscape has experienced a sudden and significant shake-up just south of Vero Beach. In an unexpected turn of events, Crabby’s Dockside, a prominent waterfront restaurant located at the Fort Pierce City Marina, permanently closed its doors on February 15. The closure has left residents, city officials, and patrons with more questions than answers regarding the future of this prime waterfront real estate.
A Sudden and Mysterious Exit
The announcement of the closure came abruptly. Just days before ceasing operations, the restaurant posted a vague message on its Facebook page on February 12, stating only that the closure was “a decision not within our control.” By February 15, the establishment was shuttered.
Despite the high-profile nature of the location, details surrounding the specific reasons for the shutdown remain scarce. According to reports from TCPalm, neither the restaurant’s owner, Gary Hardie, nor Fort Pierce Mayor Linda Hudson have provided specific comments regarding the situation.
City Officials Weigh In
The City of Fort Pierce, which owns the marina property and leased the site to the restaurant, has confirmed it is currently looking into the matter. Kaitlyn Ballard, a spokesperson for the city, indicated that officials are reviewing the circumstances of the announcement in accordance with the established lease agreement.
“The city’s priority is to ensure a thoughtful and responsible path forward that supports the community, local businesses and the continued vitality of the downtown area. It would be premature to comment further while that review is underway.”
The City Commission is scheduled to discuss the issue during their meeting on February 17.
A History of Controversy and Change
For long-time residents of the Treasure Coast, the site of Crabby’s Dockside holds significant historical weight. The location was formerly home to the “Original Tiki Bar,” a beloved local hotspot popular with residents from Vero Beach to Stuart. The Tiki Bar operated until April 2019, when the Fort Pierce City Commission voted not to renew its lease, a move that sparked considerable community opposition at the time.
Following the demolition of the Tiki Bar in May 2019, Crabby’s Dockside constructed a new $1.4 million, two-story facility featuring 199 seats and rooftop dining. The new restaurant opened over the Fourth of July weekend in 2020, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Financial Stakes
The lease agreement signed in 2018 outlined significant financial returns for the city. As part of the agreement to take over the prime marina spot, Crabby’s Dockside agreed to the following terms:
Broader Context
While the Fort Pierce location has closed, the parent company continues to operate other dining establishments throughout Florida. Their portfolio includes restaurants in St. Augustine, Daytona Beach, New Smyrna Beach, St. Cloud, Fort Myers Beach, and four locations in Clearwater Beach.
As the City Commission prepares to meet, residents across Indian River and St. Lucie counties will be watching closely to see what becomes of one of the region’s most visible waterfront dining locations.
