For decades, Crabby Bill’s has been synonymous with fresh, delicious seafood in the St. Pete Beach area. Now, this beloved family-run empire is growing, solidifying its presence as a cornerstone of the local culinary scene. Just a stone’s throw from their iconic flagship location, Crabby Bill’s has acquired JD’s Restaurant and Lounge at Indian Rocks Beach, marking a significant expansion for the brand and promising to uphold the legacy of another cherished local establishment.
“They’ve been in business for 37 years and we’ve been here for 39 years, and we are both family-run,” shared Matt Loder Sr., the driving force behind the Crabby Bill’s seafood dynasty. This sense of shared history and family values is central to the acquisition. Loder explained the Downing family, the previous owners of JD’s, are long-time friends. Both families built their reputations on a passion for bringing people together over exceptional local seafood, from overflowing buckets of steamed crab to perfectly seared mahi-mahi.
However, the restaurant industry has faced unprecedented challenges in recent years, and the Downing family made the decision to pass the torch. “Over the course of the pandemic, our ties got closer,” Loder noted, emphasizing the mutual respect and understanding between the families. “They could’ve sold this to anyone, but they chose us. We like the business for us, and it’s right in our market.”
The $3.2 million deal, finalized this month according to Pinellas County public records, sees Crabby Bill’s taking over the restaurant located at 125 Gulf Blvd.
An image of JD’s Restaurant.
The Downing family, including Jackie, Jay, Kip, and Leslie, expressed their sentiments on JD’s website, stating, “We are honored to continue the family business and legacy of JD’s as a Crabby Bill’s Family Brand. Our respect for them as well as what they have built will be evident in our operations of JD’s now, as [we] take the time after all the years to rest and enjoy life from the other side of the table.” Their message highlighted the increasing dominance of large corporations and the fading presence of family-owned businesses. “The hard work, countless hours, blood, sweat, tears, and risk that comes with putting everything you have on the line for the chance of the American dream is not better represented than in a family-operated business,” they wrote, underscoring the importance of this transition for maintaining the local character of St. Pete Beach dining. The Downing family has owned the restaurant site since 1985, when it operated as O’Neil’s on the Rocks, building a legacy over decades in the community.
While Crabby Bill’s founder and his family are now at the helm of the 5,605-square-foot establishment, Loder assures that the JD’s Restaurant name will remain. While potential renovations or minor updates may be considered, the focus is on preserving the established character and enduring appeal of JD’s. This acquisition isn’t about erasing JD’s identity but rather about ensuring its continued success under the experienced guidance of Crabby Bill’s.
“We have a number of team members who have been with us for years, and some of JD’s team members have been with them for 20-plus years – that’s the greatest asset for us,” Loder emphasized. Recognizing the value of experienced staff, Crabby Bill’s has extended company benefits to JD’s team members, ensuring job security and continuity.
“We are going to be sensitive to the community and steer this ship slowly in the right channel,” Loder stated, promising a thoughtful and community-focused approach to integrating JD’s into the Crabby Bill’s family. Drawing on decades of experience in the St. Pete Beach seafood market, Crabby Bill’s is well-positioned to navigate this new chapter.
From humble beginnings in a small 800-square-foot building on Gulf Boulevard, Crabby Bill’s has grown into a collection of beloved local brands, including Crabby Gifts, Jake’s Coastal Cantina, Seabreeze Island Grill, Ready Set Yo!, Crabby Bill’s St. Pete Beach, and Crabby Bill’s Fish Camp. This expansion reflects not only the popularity of Crabby Bill’s seafood but also the Loder family’s commitment to the St. Pete Beach community.
Looking to the future, Loder expresses his hope that the family legacy will continue for generations to come, maintaining Crabby Bill’s as a family-run and operated business deeply rooted in the St. Pete Beach seafood tradition. With the acquisition of JD’s, Crabby Bill’s is not just expanding its business; it’s reinforcing its commitment to providing quality seafood and preserving the unique character of the St. Pete Beach dining experience for locals and visitors alike.
