Aug. 31 could be last day for the Original Tiki Bar restaurant in downtown Fort Pierce

FORT PIERCE — The Original Tiki Bar & Restaurant in downtown could close Sept. 1, if the city chooses not to renew its lease.

A city selection committee is recommending the negotiations begin with Beachside Hospitality Group, of St. Petersburg, to operate a restaurant where the Tiki Bar, 2 Avenue A.

Beachside Hospitality operates five Crabby’s, Salty's and Salty Island restaurants — all casual-dining, waterfront spots serving American cuisine — in the Clearwater, Fort Myers and St. Cloud areas.

The City Commission meets 6:30 p.m. Monday to consider the bid. The length of the lease, monthly rent and hours of operations would be determined during negotiations.

Officials have said they would like a minimum 15-year lease. Owners of the Tiki originally signed a 15-year lease and renewed it for five years. It expires Aug. 31.

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Representatives of Beachside Hospitality Group could not be reached for comment.

In January, the city asked for bids to operate a restaurant in the 2,000-square-foot property. The city charter requires it to solicit bids for leases longer than one year, said City Clerk Linda Cox.

Beachside Hospitality was the committee’s choice over Mulligan’s Beach House and Bar and the current owners of the Tiki Bar, according to city records.

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The committee gave Beachside high marks for its business plan, site improvement, experience and its opening timeline, according to city records. The Tiki Bar, which the committee ranked last among three bidders, received low marks for its business and site-improvement plans, opening timeline and proposed monthly fee.

Tiki Bar owner Colin Lloyd said he is glad to see other restaurants interested in Fort Pierce but wishes it wasn’t at his company’s expense.

“While other restaurants were putting their resources elsewhere in the 2000s, my family and I put ours in downtown Fort Pierce,” Lloyd said. “We’ve created a successful restaurant that puts a lot of money in the city’s coffers over the years.”

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The restaurant employs 95 people. All could have to find new jobs if the restaurant closes.

"They all know what is happening," said Donna Burke, Tiki Bar manager. "There is no preparation for this."

Customer Camille Willoughby chose the Tiki for lunch Wednesday after she and her husband, Humphrey, said their vows at the St. Lucie County Courthouse.

“It is like family here,” Willoughby said. “It has great service, I love the island theme and the servers are friendly.”

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Customer Sharon Duhaime said she wants the city to keep the restaurant.

"I don't want them to go," Duhaime said of the Tiki Bar. "I'm afraid (anyone new) would mess up what we have here."

Doris Tillman, executive director of MainStreet Fort Pierce, said she would prefer the city select a non-chain restaurant that has established connections to the city.

“If you look at the downtown area, there are not a lot of chains. Everything is local, mom-and-pop style. It is something that is uniquely Fort Pierce," Tilman said.

Lloyd and his brother Ian lease space from the city to operate Cobb's Landing, 200 N. Indian River Drive in downtown. It is not in danger of closing., Colin Lloyd said.

"We want to be a part of the evolution of downtown Fort Pierce while helping the city maintain its uniqueness," he said. "We're from here, we know the city. We're not going anywhere."