Doc Ford's Rum Bar & Grille

06/16/2026

Some tables start with bread. At Doc Ford’s, we start with Bayamo Bean Dip! 😉

Cuban black beans, melted cheddar and Monterey Jack, diced tomatoes, and jalapeños - all scooped up with crispy corn tortilla chips. The kind of appetizer that disappears fast!

06/15/2026

New week, same summer craving: a little bit of everything from Doc Ford’s 🍤🌴

Start with your favorites, try something new, and let Monday taste a whole lot better!

06/14/2026

🌟 The 2026 E Awards are open!

The Elaine McLaughlin Outstanding Hospitality Service Awards recognize Lee County hospitality professionals who go above and beyond through extraordinary service, kindness, and dedication.

If a team member at our Sanibel or Fort Myers Beach Doc Ford’s location has made your visit memorable - whether they remembered your favorite order, helped solve a problem, greeted you with genuine hospitality, or simply made you feel right at home - the E Awards are a wonderful way to recognize them.

We’re proud to work alongside so many team members who help make our islands, beaches, and neighborhoods feel welcoming to locals and visitors alike! ❤️

https://www.visitfortmyers.com/lee-vcb/about/e-awards/e-awards-nomination-form?utm_medium=email&utm_source=Act-On+Software&utm_content=email&utm_term=NOMINATE%20TODAY%21&utm_campaign=Default%20Blank%20Template&cm_mmc=Act-On%20Software-_-email-_-One%20Month%20Left%20to%20Nominate%21-_-NOMINATE%20TODAY%21

The Elaine McLaughlin Outstanding Hospitality Service Awards (E Awards) recognize businesses and people who have excelled at hospitality and customer service in Fort Myers and Sanibel, Florida. The E Awards are awarded by the Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau (Lee VCB).

06/13/2026

🎣🏆 Big congratulations to Ian, one of our Managers at Doc Ford’s St. Pete Pier, and his team for taking home the win at the Tampa Bay Watch Tarpon Rodeo!

The annual catch-and-release tournament brings anglers together on Tampa Bay to support Tampa Bay Watch’s restoration projects and environmental education programs. Competitors spend a half day on the water, logging and tracking their catches while helping raise awareness for the conservation of one of Florida’s most iconic sport fish.

We’re proud to see our team not only enjoying the waters we call home, but also supporting the organizations that help protect them. Way to go, Ian and team! 👏🐟🌊

06/12/2026

Cedar Plank Salmon with a side of those St. Pete Pier views. Hard to beat!

06/10/2026

Thank you for the shoutout, Sports Illustrated Swimsuit!

The Fort Myers area offers a rare blend of coastal island beauty, rich history, and a deeply rooted sense of community which also extends to the culinary scene.

06/09/2026

The Tropical Salad is already a favorite… but adding our big, juicy grilled shrimp? That’s how you turn it into a full-on Doc Ford’s moment 🥗🍤

Fresh greens, mozzarella, mandarin oranges, sundried cherries, spiced pecans, crispy onions, and our secret balsamic vinaigrette - all the flavor, all the crunch, all the good stuff!

06/04/2026

Record-breaking year, record-breaking impact! 🎣💙

The 14th annual “Ding” Darling & Doc Ford’s Tarpon Tournament raised an incredible $226,357 for conservation and water quality research at J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge!

This year’s tournament brought together 65 teams, 309 anglers, 63 catch-and-release tarpon and a whole lot of support for the refuge we’re so proud to call our neighbor on Sanibel Island.

A huge congratulations to Team Loaded Down, led by Captain Kyle Applefield, for taking home first place, a $30,420 prize and the coveted pink tarpon jacket after catching and releasing six tarpon 🎣

Since its start in 2012, this tournament has raised more than $2 million to support the refuge’s conservation, education and research efforts - and we couldn’t be more grateful to the anglers, sponsors, donors, volunteers and “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society team who make it all possible.

Here’s to chasing the silver king, protecting local waters and supporting one of Southwest Florida’s most treasured wild places. We’ll see you next year for the 15th annual tournament on May 7, 2027! 🌊

06/04/2026

Another record breaking Ding Darling Doc Ford's Tarpon Tournament in books! We've officially helped raised over $2 million for "Ding" Darling Wildlife Society-Friends of the Refuge since the start of this tournament in 2012. The only tarpon tournament where 100% of the entry fees go back to the winning teams, and you get a pink winners jacket to go with it!

The 14th annual Ding Darling & Doc Ford’s Tarpon Tournament raised a record $226,357 for conservation efforts at J.N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge with 65 teams and 309 anglers

06/01/2026

🏆 We did it again! 🏆

We’re honored to share that HM Restaurant Group has been named one of Southwest Florida’s Best Places to Work by Gulfshore Business for the second year in a row!

This recognition means so much because it’s based on what matters most - our people. From the teams at Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille, Dixie Fish Company, Bonita Fish Company, Bayside Private Events, The Marina at Bonita Fish Company, and to our office, this award belongs to every employee who brings hospitality, hard work, and heart to what they do each day.

Thank you to our incredible teams of employees for making HM Restaurant Group a place where people feel supported, valued, and inspired to grow. We’re proud of what we’ve built together - and even more excited for what’s ahead!

❤️ Here’s to our people, our culture, and another year of creating unforgettable experiences for our guests and communities!

Read the full article here: https://www.gulfshorebusiness.com/best-places-to-work/best-places-to-work-in-southwest-florida-for-2026-revealed/article_50b68779-22ca-4a7d-afba-4bbbf22fbaf4.html