Doc Ford’s Captiva drops anchor at South Seas Resort
Doors to the new Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille on Captiva opened earlier this month.
Customers can expect similar menu items from the Sanibel and Fort Myers Beach branches, as well as the unique island culture portrayed by Randy Wayne White in his New York Times-bestselling Doc Ford mystery series.
Manager Jean Crenshaw said the new restaurant is open much later so guests of South Seas and the island can enjoy live entertainment at night.
“We are staying true to Doc Ford’s, but the island is a little quiet at night so we want to give people something to do, especially at the resort,” she said.
It’s hosting live music until 1:30 a.m. every Friday and Saturday night. Stolen Fruit, a local band, was the first to perform on Aug. 9 and other area bands will be booked every weekend.
Crenshaw said the restaurant is working on plans for other special events and it’s available to host area meetings or conventions that desire a smaller venue.
“Being a part of South Seas we have an opportunity for a lot of special events, music, and chef tastings,” she said.
Just like the Fort Myers Beach branch, flatbreads are on the Captiva menu. Customers can choose between the Captiva Gulf Shrimp Flat Bread, the Okeechobee Pulled-Pork Flat Bread, and the Jerked Chicken Flat Bread.
There will also be daily chef specials designed by Chef Greg Nelson, the original chef from Sanibel and executive chef at Fort Myers Beach, and Chef James King.
Some of the other popular items on the menu include the Mussels and Seared Tuna appetizers, the Shake & Shuck Shrimp with a specially blended gourmet “Shake Dressing” by Chef Greg Nelson, the Tropical Salad with fruits and vegetables, the Doc Ford’s Lime Panko Crusted Fish Sandwich, and the Campeche Fish Tacos.
Doc Ford’s is housed at the South Seas Resort, in space formerly occupied by Holy Smoke Heavenly Barbecue, but it’s owned and operated independently of the resort. It features seating for 340 inside, 50 on the patio, and a catering room for up to 45 people.
Doc Ford merchandise is for sale by the front door, including t-shirts, hats, mugs, and the novels that started it all.
The restaurant’s soft opening was on Aug. 7 but staff continue to put the finishing touches on the building.
For more information, visit docfords.com.