At Doc Ford’s Bar & Grille, the pastel hues reminiscent of an island sundown and the corresponding flavors of pineapple, orange juice and red-tinged grenadine create the ultimate rum cocktail. Vying against two other rum-based contenders in honor of National Rum Day, the signature Sanibel Sunset with its spiced rum, Don Q Coconut Rum and splash of amaretto was singled out by patrons as the best, receiving 40% of the popular vote.
Doc Ford’s conducted the weeklong contest at its four locations and online via QR codes. The competition pitted the restaurant’s best-selling rum drinks against one another – the Sanibel Sunset, the Toasted Coconut Colada and Doc’s Rum Runner. As the winning drink, guests received half-price Sanibel Sunsets with the purchase of food on National Rum Day, Aug. 16. The restaurant also shared a video recipe of the top drink on its Instagram page.
Renowned for its legendary guest experience, Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille is open daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. with locations on Sanibel Island, Fort Myers Beach, the St. Petersburg Pier and Jungle Terrace in St. Petersburg.
Owned and operated by HM Restaurant Group, award-winning Doc Ford’s offers food with a unique balance of flavors inspired by the Caribbean Rim. Beloved for its sauces, spices and signature Yucatan shrimp served daily, it’s 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.
