Casey Key Fish House, the iconic Old Florida seafood restaurant, tiki bar and marina, has new owners who say they are committed to preserving the laid-back atmosphere that has made the waterfront destination a favorite for more than two decades.

“It’s a special place,” said Scott Pohl, one of the new owners who acquired the property in May. “We are committed to making sure the legacy is properly cared for generations to come.”

The restaurant became available after founder Jimmy Von Hubertz decided last winter it was time to retire.

“It took me a long time to find the right people,” Von Hubertz said.

The new ownership group plans only modest improvements, leaving intact the down-home coastal character that has defined Casey Key Fish House since it opened in 2000.

Some upgrades are already underway, including improved seating and trailer-mounted restrooms replacing the portable toilet at the beachfront tiki bar, air conditioning in the main women’s restroom and a general refresh of the dining room.

“We won’t overdo it,” Pohl said. “We don’t want to lose the Old Florida feel. We just want to freshen it up.”

The indoor and outdoor dining experiences remain unchanged, and so does the menu—for now. Pohl said guests can expect new daily specials, menu refinements and a more streamlined selection in the coming months.

“The specials haven’t changed in a long time,” he said. “They’re due for a refresh.”

Longtime chef Cesar remains in the kitchen, and Pohl expects the first round of updates to both the menu and dining atmosphere to be completed by October, just in time for the start of season.

The marina, with 200 feet of dockage along the Intracoastal Waterway, continues to be a key part of the property. For years, generations of boaters have tied up at the docks before enjoying a drink at the tiki bar or dinner overlooking the water.

The new owners plan improvements to the docks and piers and are considering a redesign of the slip configuration.

“Stay tuned,” Pohl said.

The restaurant’s retail apparel shop also will be expanded, and customers can expect an updated drink menu in the near future.

Von Hubertz will remain involved during the first year as an adviser, Pohl said.

Speaking from his summer home on Long Island, Von Hubertz said he plans to return to his Siesta Key home this fall and expects the restaurant to remain part of his life.

“My boat is there, and I’ll be there for the rest of my life,” he said.

He believes the new owners are “a great fit.”

“They’re going to bring it up a notch and keep the Old Florida atmosphere,” Von Hubertz said.

Selling the restaurant was an emotional decision.

“It was bittersweet — a tough, tough decision,” he said. “I might not be the owner anymore, but I’ll always be the founder. I created a legend. Let the legend live on.”

The menu continues to feature longtime favorites, including peel-and-eat shrimp, mussels, calamari, conch fritters, crab cakes and coconut shrimp. Basket selections include fish and chips, fried shrimp, fish sandwiches and crab cakes served with French fries or coleslaw.

Dinner entrees include yellowtail snapper with artichokes, tomatoes and capers; black cod with lobster cream sauce and grilled shrimp; pan-seared grouper with fruit salsa; and grilled mahi-mahi. Seafood pasta dishes, along with steak, chicken, burgers and hot dogs, round out the menu.

Like many waterfront businesses, Casey Key Fish House closed for several months following the 2024 hurricanes before reopening. Throughout its history, the restaurant has attracted both celebrities and locals who appreciate its unpretentious waterfront setting.

Casey Key Fish House is located at 801 Blackburn Point Road, just across the Casey Key bridge.