The Sailor's Return

November 09, 2016

The Sailor’s Return restaurant in Stuart, Florida is a marriage of delicious cuisine and incredible ambience with a fantastic background story. Owner Bob Davis began working on cruise ships as a teenager and, over the course of more than two decades, made his way into restaurant management. When he retired from the cruise scene, he settled in Florida, where he met his wife, Tracy. Together, they opened the Jolly Sailor Pub & Restaurant that offered a British-style experience as a reflection of Davis’s hometown of Southampton. After 12 highly successful years, those doors closed and the Davises retired, but that didn’t last long.

In 2007, entrepreneur Wayne Huizenga came to the Davises with the idea that he would build the Sunset Bay Marina & Anchorage, and they could own and run a restaurant thereon. The location was amazing and Bob was itching to do a little more than drive the town’s coach, so they jumped on the opportunity. For the second time, this English sailor returned to the hospitality business after short retirement. The appropriately named Sailor’s Return was built and opened right off of St. Lucie River, and offers marvelous views of the water and sunsets every night. Chef David van Stolk ensures consistently great food that ranges from American classics, a bit of British cuisine, and of course seafood.

The unique ambience of Sailor’s Return provides a waterfront experience that doesn’t disappoint. The indoor seating is elegant and spacious, while the mild weather and romantic sunsets in the evening encourage diners to enjoy the fresh air of the abundant outdoor seating. An artistic canopy of shade sails provides shade during the day, and fits the nautical theme of the restaurant flawlessly. The blue poles and white shade sails match the sails of the boats docked in the marina, while fans and misters keep the area cool. In the evenings, lights on the center “mast”, shine on the sails for a modern look. Live music is performed on a raised portion of the deck under a single larger shade sail, Wednesday through Sunday.

For the residents of Stuart, Florida, one sailor’s return has meant many great meals and nights of lively entertainment. The Davis’s restaurant has become a local favorite and surely a great place for any returning sailors to dine after a day on the water. For a closer look at the restaurant, take a virtual tour, both inside and out. To learn more about shade sails, check out our inventory of standard sails, or contact us for information about how you can work with one of our project managers in designing custom shade. Your restaurant or business can have a modern look that will make it stand out just as much as the maritime-themed and much loved Sailor’s Return.

Sources:

The Sailor's Return

Stuart Magazine