Dixie Fish Company celebrates ninth anniversary, honors history and community

Local Restaurant Celebrates Their Anniversary With Food And Fun

Dixie Fish Company, a 2023 Yelp Top 100 Florida Restaurant, recently celebrated its ninth anniversary of award-winning cuisine, fresh seafood and a waterfront setting overlooking Matanzas Pass. The Jan. 16 event featured food and drink specials, live music and recognized Dixie Fish Company’s deep ties to Fort Myers Beach’s historic commercial fishing and “pink gold” shrimping fleets.

The milestone was especially meaningful following damage caused by Hurricane Ian in 2022. Originally built in 1937 as The Dixie Fish Co., the tin-roofed, open-air building has survived many hurricanes. Storm surge during Ian reached 18 feet, closing Dixie and its neighboring sister restaurant, Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille.

“It’s really hard to believe Dixie wasn’t open a year ago. Fortunately, we were able to reopen the restaurant in February 2023,” said Joe Harrity, a partner with HM Restaurant Group, which owns and operates Dixie Fish Company. “The anniversary was our way of celebrating with the community which has embraced us and supported us through the trials and successes over the past nine years.”

Featuring a lively beach atmosphere and entertainment most nights, Dixie Fish Company is beloved for its catch-of-the-day specialties, Yucatan and Florida pink shrimp, grouper, raw bar and seafood tacos. The restaurant also offers non-seafood selections, including sandwiches, salads and burgers.

Dixie Fish Company honors the culinary history and classic character of the original 1930s fish market. Established to support Southwest Florida’s growing commercial fishing industry, The Dixie Fish Co. fishhouse was the best place to buy and sell the day’s catch – everything from scallops, clams, oysters, mullet and snapper. It was also one of the hubs for the “pink gold” boom, starting in the 1950s when the Gulf of Mexico waters near Fort Myers Beach became known for an abundance of shrimp, so named for their distinctive color and prized for their sweet, tender meat.

Today, guests of Dixie Fish Company enjoy Florida fishhouse traditions, including smoked fish dip, whole buttermilk-battered fried fish, shrimp and grits, an as-you-like-it choice of seafood and preparation styles and a changing menu determined by fresh available ingredients.

Open daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., the restaurant is renowned for delivering a legendary guest experience. Dixie Fish Company is located at 714 Fishermans Wharf, Fort Myers Beach. Visit dixiefishfmb.com or call 239-233-8837 for more information.