Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille has promoted Cesar Vidal to kitchen manager of its Fort Myers Beach location.
As kitchen manager, Vidal is responsible for overseeing all aspects of kitchen operations. He has worked for Doc Ford’s for eight years. His favorite dish on the menu is the Dry Rubbed Ribeye.
“My favorite part about working for Doc Ford’s is the community because everyone is like family,” Vidal said. “The community and culture of the restaurant is the best part of this job.”
Renowned for its legendary guest experience, Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille is open daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Owned and operated by HM Restaurant Group, the award-winning restaurant offers food with a unique balance of flavors inspired by the Caribbean Rim. Revered for its sauces and spices, Doc Ford’s is highly regarded by locals and visitors alike as a spectacular seafood restaurant. Established on Sanibel in 2003, Doc Ford’s is a perennial Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice winner; the Pier restaurant was named the county’s No. 1 Best of the Best Restaurants for Everyday Eats in 2023.
Doc Ford’s also offers live music most nights at its Fort Myers Beach, Jungle Terrace and St. Petersburg Pier locations.
Philanthropy and community outreach are engrained in HM Restaurant Group’s company philosophy. Proceeds from specialty cocktails at Doc Ford’s raise money to support children’s hospitals and water quality issues. HM Restaurant Group also supports local nonprofits dedicated to conservation, community and the environment. The “Ding” Darling Doc Ford’s Tarpon Tournament has raised nearly $1.3 million for Sanibel’s J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge since 2012. The 13th annual tournament will be held May 9, 2025.
