Katy Forret, general manager of the Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille on Sanibel, is the new board chair of the SanCap Chamber of Commerce, serving Sanibel and Captiva islands. As chair, Forret is responsible for directional oversight, strategic planning and accountability. Introduced during the board’s recent annual meeting, she praised the leadership of outgoing chair JR Ramirez and highlighted her priorities.
“I’m honored to step into the board chair role after JR,” said Forret. “I hope to bring empathy, focus and steadiness to the position – and continue supporting the mission with care and intention. Seeing all the good things the people in the SanCap community do, makes me want to do the same.”
Forret joined the chamber in 2020 and has served with other members in supporting recovery efforts since the devastating destruction caused by Hurricane Ian in September 2022. Doc Ford’s, which was damaged by storm surge and winds from the hurricane, was closed until February 2023.
“We are proud of Katy’s volunteer work with the chamber and for assuming this leadership role as board chairperson,” said Joe Harrity, a partner with HM Restaurant Group, the parent company of Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille. “The team members at our four locations share a deep commitment and ties to their community and helping their neighbors and local businesses.”
The SanCap Chamber is dedicated to promoting tourism and the prosperity of its members as well as preserving the quality of life in the community. The organization plays a key role in facilitating communication and cooperation between businesses, residents and government to enhance the economic health of the islands. Its website, sanibel-captiva.org, receives over 1.3 million visits each year. For more information, vist online or call 239-472-1080.
HM Restaurant Group owns and operates Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille, founded on Sanibel Island in 2003. With three additional locations in Fort Myers Beach, Jungle Terrace in St. Petersburg and the St. Petersburg Pier, the restaurants are open daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and are beloved by locals and visitors alike for delivering a legendary guest experience and spectacular seafood.
Serving up its signature Yucatan shrimp daily in a fun family-friendly environment, the award-winning restaurants offer food with a unique balance of flavors inspired by the Caribbean Rim. Known for its sauces, spices and passion, Doc Ford’s is a perennial Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice winner. The St. Petersburg Pier restaurant was named No. 1 Best of the Best Restaurants for Everyday Eats in 2023 – a distinction awarded to fewer than 1 percent of Tripadvisor’s 8 million listings.
Philanthropy and community outreach are engrained in HM Restaurant Group’s company philosophy. Proceeds from specialty cocktails at Doc Ford’s raise money for children’s hospitals and water quality issues. HM also supports local nonprofits dedicated to conservation, community, education and the environment. The “Ding” Darling Doc Ford’s Tarpon Tournament has raised $1.57 million for Sanibel’s J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge since 2012. The 14th annual tournament is May 15, 2026.
