Doc Ford’s Jungle Terrace in west St. Pete will close for a week to rebrand as Boca Ciega Waterfront Bar & Grill | Doc Ford’s

Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille in Jungle Terrace is closing this weekend, but the waterfront restaurant isn’t going away.

The restaurant at 8790 Bay Pines Boulevard will serve its final guests as Doc Ford’s Jungle Terrace on Sunday, August 2nd. It will then close from August 3 through August 9 for a remodel before reopening Monday, August 10th, as Boca Ciega Waterfront Bar & Grill.

The new restaurant will remain under the leadership of HM Restaurant Group, which also operates Doc Ford’s locations at the St. Pete Pier, Sanibel, and Fort Myers Beach.

The change follows an announcement on social media that initially appeared to signal the permanent closure of the Jungle Terrace restaurant.

However, the location is simply being rebranded as a new concept intended to better reflect its role as a neighborhood gathering place and the character of the surrounding community.

The restaurant features indoor and outdoor seating with views of Boca Ciega Bay | Doc Ford’s

Guests can expect refreshed interior décor along with new food and drink menus when Boca Ciega Waterfront Bar & Grill opens.

HM Restaurant Group purchased the 2.2-acre waterfront property in 2021 for $3.45 million.

The site, formerly home to Green Iguana Bar and Grill and Joe’s Crab Shack, includes a 6,750-square-foot building, a 4,150-square-foot porch and deck, 306 feet of water frontage, and transient boat slips.

Doc Ford’s Jungle Terrace opened in December 2022 as the group’s second St. Petersburg location, following the restaurant at the St. Pete Pier.

While the Jungle Terrace location adopts its new identity, the Pier, Sanibel, and Fort Myers Beach Doc Ford’s locations will remain open as usual.