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NewsSt Pete CatalystJuly 29, 2026Pinellas

Doc Ford’s Bay Pines location to close and rebrand

The Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille at 8790 Bay Pines Blvd. in St. Petersburg is closing this Sunday and will reopen as the Boca Ciega Waterfront Bar & Grill. The change follows ongoing legal disputes between author Randy Wayne White and the restaurant operator, HM Restaurant Group.

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Why It Matters

Residents and patrons of the Bay Pines restaurant will see a change in branding and name at the location starting in approximately one week.

Key Facts

  • The Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille at 8790 Bay Pines Blvd. will close this Sunday.
  • The location will reopen as Boca Ciega Waterfront Bar & Grill in approximately one week.
  • The Doc Ford’s location at the St. Pete Pier will remain open under its current name.
  • Randy Wayne White filed a lawsuit against HM Restaurant Group in Lee County’s 20th Judicial Circuit.
  • The lawsuit alleges HM Restaurant Group failed to pay required royalties and demanded further royalty reductions.
  • White alleges HM Restaurant Group violated licensing terms by using the Doc Ford’s name to promote other restaurants.
  • The licensing agreement for the Doc Ford’s name was originally established in 2003.
  • HM Restaurant Group took over the licensing contract in 2015.
  • The Bay Pines location opened in 2022.

Who's Mentioned

location8790 Bay Pines Blvd.“Address of the restaurant undergoing the name change.”organization20th Judicial Circuit“Court where the lawsuit between White and HMRG was filed.”organizationHM Restaurant Group“Ft. Myers-based operator of the Doc Ford's locations.”organizationBoca Ciega Waterfront Bar & Grill“New name for the Bay Pines restaurant location.”organizationDoc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille“Restaurant chain currently operating in St. Petersburg.”personRandy Wayne White“Author who licensed the Doc Ford name for the restaurants.”