Let’s Eat! An Exhibit of Favorite Local Restaurants

September 24 to Mid-February, 2022
Museum Exhibit

The exhibit revisits the mid 1900s when Clearwater and Clearwater Beach were beginning the evolution into a world class destination. Hungry beach-goers and locals flocked to the new restaurants, many in business fifty plus years later, to enjoy everything from fresh catch from the Gulf to elegant fare, international cuisine to burgers.

Through photos, stories, interviews and memorabilia the history and the entrepreneurs who launched Bob Heilman’s Beachcomber, Capogna’s Dugout, Chief Charley’s, the Circus Cafeteria, Frenchy’s Restaurants, Hooters, The Kapok Tree Inn, Lenny’s, O’Keefe’s, Pelican, Palm Pavilion, Siple’s Garden Seat, Tio Pepe, Young’s Pit Bar-B-Q and many more are discovered.

These restaurants were places where memories were made by honeymooners, vacationers, newly graduated and engaged. Many have been frequented by famous patrons, baseball players and movie stars. Ask a local about their special restaurant and Let’s Eat will have identified it. Bump into anyone who has visited here and they will recall how they loved the sun, the beach and name their favorite restaurant.

The local restaurant entrepreneurs had a vision for what makes a great restaurant: good food, fun and customer service . Many have passed on but their children and grandchildren continue their legacy, locally and internationally. Let’s Eat! focuses on their journey through setbacks, hurricanes, recessions and generations of patrons who kept coming back for more.

Let’s Eat! An Exhibit of Favorite Local Restaurants
September 24 to Mid-February, 2022
Open Friday and Saturday 10 am – 2 pm
Monday to Thursday by appointment, call 727-754-8019
Clearwater Historical Society Museum & Cultural Center
610 Fort Harrison Avenue, Clearwater FL 33756