Most Longboat Key restaurants are open

Hal Christensen, general manager of Harry's Continental Kitchens, was ecstatic to put down his construction hat after a month of being closed due to destruction from Hurricanes Helene and Milton. The iconic restaurant and deli opened back up on Nov. 8. 

"I'm just amazed at my staff and their resilience and their ability to come in and get things set up and have such a happy and positive attitude towards everything," said Christensen. "This month has been hard, and everyone is just appreciative we are open. It's so nice to be a restaurant manager again and not a construction foreman."

Just like Harry's, many restaurants are open for business just in time for snowbird season. Most are finishing up their last repairs and welcoming back regulars. On the other hand, some still have a while to go before they can officially open again. 

Crab and Fin on St. Armands Circle is temporarily closed but plans to reopen on Dec. 1. 

In a Facebook post, the owners updated their regulars on the progress of repairs. The restaurant has new drywall and all landscaping has been cleaned out. As they get closer to the reopening date, they plan to add new flooring, finishes and greenery to liven up the space. 

They said in the post they are "working day and night to welcome back everyone and can't wait to show off their new and improved restaurant to their loyal supporters and new customers."

Even though Blue Dolphin Cafe on St. Armand's Circle was wiped clean after both hurricanes, they were one of the first restaurants to open on Oct. 16.

Owner of the Longboat Key location, Robbie Ball, said he is grateful for his hardworking staff because they wouldn't have been able to pick up as quickly without them. 

"I grew up on the island," said Ball. "It broke my heart to see it torn apart. I look forward to Longboat Key and all its residents being able to shift back into recovering and getting back to normal."