The Dawson Group, a locally owned and operated restaurant group, has acquired three notable South Walton establishments, including Red Fish Taco, Stinky’s Bait Shack, and Stinky’s Fish Camp, from longtime local, Jim Richard of Word of Mouth Restaurant Group.

Owned by Clark and Ashley Beecher, The Dawson Group is known for their various historical establishments in Seaside including Dawson’s Yogurt, It’s Heavenly Shortcakes and Ice Cream, Pickle’s, The Shrimp Shack, and Wild Bill’s Beach Dogs. In the past two years, they have also added Pickle’s Sandbar and The Shrimp Shack Boardwalk Bar to the growing boardwalk on the south side of 30A. In total, The Dawson Group will operate nine food and beverage establishments on 30A including four restaurants, three bars, and two dessert concepts.

“While our current restaurants are located in the heart of Seaside, we are excited to expand our brand into the West end of 30A,” said Ashley Beecher.

The Beechers, along with their operating partners Baron and Courtney Fields, plan to continue the many, long-standing traditions of each of Richard’s beloved establishments which include live music, philanthropic efforts, and special menu offerings while elevating each entity with innovative systems, modern concepts, merchandise, and much more.

“We understand the importance of tradition and what each of these restaurants has brought to the community throughout the years,” said Courtney Fields. “We want to continue Jim’s legacy while also incorporating and implementing some of the signature items, systems, and concepts our other restaurants have had great success with throughout the years.”

Over the course of the next year, The Dawson Group is already planning to expand the breakfast offerings at Stinky’s Bait Shack, along with the addition of a brand-new lunch and dinner concept unveiling by 2026. The Bait Shack will remain a hub for live music with plans to continue to host Stinky’s signature Swamp Writer Music Festival that will take place on January 15-19, which pays homage to the regions’ music and is a free, five-day celebration of local talent. The Bait Shack will also be the new host of the Sand Up Comedy Festival benefiting SOWAL Foundation in February.

Many of the well-known menu items created using Richard’s original recipes will remain on the Stinky’s Fish Camp menu, including beignets, biscuits, and the Oyster Log, while new, innovative menu offerings will be added throughout the year. The Dawson Group also plans to feature one of the three restaurants in The Seaside School’s Annual Taste of Race event that kicks off the Seaside School Half Marathon + 5K this February.

Red Fish Taco will continue to be the area’s leading taco dealer with fresh seafood, succulent meats, and margaritas, and a hub for local, live music. Originally from Texas, both the Beechers and Fields’ are excited to introduce their take on “TexMex” flare which is hard to find in the area. Additionally, Red Fish Taco is currently undergoing a renovation with Tracery Interiors to update finishes and fixtures so locals and visitors alike can expect a fresh, new look of the beloved taco restaurant. Red Fish Taco is also proud to once again be one of the venues of the 30A Songwriters Festival benefiting the Cultural Arts Alliance. New this year, The Dawson Group will also introduce Pickle’s as a new venue to the music festival.

“Coming from Texas, we hope to fill the niche of TexMex cuisine along 30A,” said Courtney Fields. “We plan to take Red Fish Taco’s original menu offerings and build upon them with a TexMex flare to create a unique dining experience along 30A.”

Kevin Martindale will continue to serve as the concept leader of The Dawson Group locations in Seaside, while Matt Dunn will oversee operations as the concept leader over the newly acquired locations on the West end.

The acquisition of the three brands is a historical transition for the local community. Each has a long-standing, loyal customer base that was organically built throughout the years through Richard and his team. To complement this, the Beechers and Fields have a plethora of previous experience maintaining and honoring the original concepts of their restaurants after acquiring The Dawson Group in 2020 from Bill and Heavenly Dawson after 32 years.

“Many of these owners are first-generation 30A locals that built and created these establishments when the area was still developing decades ago,” said Ashley Beecher. “Now, they are transitioning into a new chapter of life, and they take it very seriously when considering who they are going to sell and leave this legacy to. It is an honor that they trust The Dawson Group to carry the torch.”

To learn more about The Dawson Group and their portfolio of restaurants, bars, and eateries, visit https://www.dawsongroupseasidefl.com

 The Shrimp Shack🦐 (@shrimpshackseasidefl) on Instagram: “🔗ORDER ONLINE NOW 🍹NEW Boardwalk Bar • NOW OPEN 🦐Peel & Eat Steamed Shrimp 🦞NEW•LOBSTER ROLL 🦪Gulf Oysters-Raw or Baked ✨Seaside, FL

Stinky’s Fish Camp, Stinky’s Bait Shack, and Red Fish Taco Bought by Pickle’s, The Shrimp Shack, and Wild Bill’s Beach Dogs