FORT MYERS BEACH, Fla. (July 18, 2024) – Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille on Fort Myers Beach recently partnered with Gladiolus Food Pantry to support the nonprofit organization’s mission of reducing hunger by providing healthy nutritious food. The restaurant’s general manager Ryan Cook and nine employees stocked shelves and distributed food to over 100 clients during their day of service.
It was the first time Doc Ford’s volunteered at the pantry, which assisted 26,374 adults, children and seniors and distributed 746,180 pounds of food in 2023.
“We applaud Ryan for identifying a need in the community and organizing a team to help out,” said Joe Harrity, a partner with HM Restaurant Group, which owns and operates Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille and Dixie Fish Company. “As a company, we’re always looking for meaningful ways to support local organizations making an impact on the community.”
Doc Ford’s employees, including two Spanish speakers, helped pantry visitors grocery shop and loaded groceries in their cars. They also relocated two pallets of bricks, which are part of the pantry’s capital improvement projects.
Founded in 2013, Gladiolus Food Pantry relies entirely on food and money donated by the community, including the Harry Chapin Food Bank and the Midwest Food Bank, as well as volunteer support. With the purpose of supplementing a family’s food budget, the organization fosters self-reliance and independence, serving all clients with dignity and respect.
For more information about Gladiolus Food Pantry, located in a bright green building on Gladiolus Drive in Harlem Heights, visit gladiolusfoodpantry.org.
HM Restaurant Group has a long history of philanthropy in Southwest Florida, assisting local nonprofit organization committed to conservation, community and the environment. Since its inception in 2012, the annual “Ding” Darling & Doc Ford’s Tarpon Tournament has raised nearly $1.3 million for conservation and water-quality research at the island’s J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge. The 13th annual tournament is May 9, 2025.
HM Restaurant Group also supports the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation, SanCap Cares and FISH of SANCAP, and raises money for children’s hospitals in Fort Myers and St. Petersburg through sales of designated drinks at Doc Ford’s. It recently partnered with Captains For Clean Water to donate $1 from every Send It South cocktail sold at Doc Ford’s and Dixie Fish Company to the nonprofit organization.
Renowned for its legendary guest experience, Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille is open daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
With four locations, including Sanibel, Fort Myers Beach and two in St. Petersburg, 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. Doc Ford’s is a perennial Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice winner. The St. Petersburg Pier restaurant was named the No. 1 restaurant for Best of the Best Restaurants for Everyday Eats in 2023.
Contact:
Jennifer Hamilton, Gravina, Smith, Matte & Arnold Marketing and Public Relations, 239-275-5758, [email protected]
