Clearwater Beach Restaurant Changes Hands Months Before 100th Anniversary

The Palm Pavilion Beachside Grill & Bar switched owners. Beachside Hospitality Group II, LLC bought the property just months before its 100th birthday. For more than six decades, the Hamilton family ran this Clearwater Beach spot.

Sunday was the final day the Hamiltons operated the bar and grill. Both the restaurant and Palm Pavilion Inn were part of the deal.

"Our business is co-owned by us four brothers — Ken, Dale, Hoyt, and Wade. All of us are at or near retirement age and desire to spend more time with family and enjoy leisure pursuits," the announcement read, according to WTSP News.

Co-owner Hoyt Hamilton said his family bought the place back in 1964. The spot opened in 1926, making it Florida's oldest operating beach pavilion.

Selling became a real consideration after hurricanes Helene and Milton forced a shutdown. The restaurant sat closed for four and a half months while crews made repairs. That break gave the brothers time to think.

"It is with an immeasurably heavy heart that we leave before celebrating the Palm Pavilion's 100th Anniversary, which will be on May 31. After decades of thoughtful stewardship, our family wants to step away while the company is still strong," the post continued.

The Hamiltons still plan to help with the 100th anniversary celebration in May.

Beachside Hospitality Group takes control now. This company already operates Beach House, Mar Vista, and Sandbar in Anna Marina Island and Longboat Key. They also run two Crabby's locations in Clearwater Beach and Treasure Island. The group manages 15 restaurants statewide, with three in the Tampa Bay area.

Doors will stay shut for a few days while new owners make adjustments. What changes they'll make remains unknown.

"In closing, as the next chapter begins, we trust that our customers will be able to make the same 'memories that will last a lifetime' with the new owners," Ken Hamilton wrote in a statement.