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The iconic Marina Oyster Barn is gone, but construction of a new restaurant is underway
Demolition of East Pensacola Heights' Marina Oyster Barn concluded Wednesday, but the iconic eatery's story is not over yet.
Three Pensacola natives plan to rebuild the historic space and give it a second life as a new restaurant.
Owner Kellan Lewis, owner of Hevi Transport, an oil and gas company based out of Houston, moved back home to Pensacola three years ago and has been replanting roots in all his childhood hangouts. The Marina Oyster Barn overlooked the bayou where he practiced water sports as a kid and he frequented the spot at least once a week.
When the place went on the market in 2021, he along with two other childhood friends could not stand to see it die out.
"We thought it was just a great spot, It had a lot of history. We love the neighborhood," he said. "We are trying to keep the footprint true to the neighborhood. We all grew up here."
ewis said they originally planned to preserve the building, only to realize it was practically falling in on itself after years of hurricane damage.
"The building that was there after Sally was unsalvageable," he explained.
Lewis said the new owners have spent the past year maintaining and making small renovations to the marina portion of the property that has continued to operate even in between the transfer of ownership. During that year, they also began to reimagine what restaurant portion of the place could be.
Though plans are still subject to change, the owners have decided that they would like to create a seafood-boil type spot, built around a simple menu and fresh catch. The owners will be hands-on with the construction process, which he anticipates will take about eight to twelve weeks to complete.
Items like steamed shrimp and crab, fried fish and raw oysters will be highlights of the menu, with an outdoor seating area for visitors to gas up their boat or sip on a cold drink.
"That's the plan for right now. That's the goal that we are working towards," Lewis said.
Right now, the space is not planned to be built like a traditional restaurant with four walls and a ceiling, but more like deck that can easily be packed up in case of a storm, he said.
It's going to happen again," Lewis said of a hurricane. "Probably sooner rather than later."
Even though the building was scrapped, Lewis made sure that most of the memorabilia was returned to long-time owner Dale Rooks and his family. Some pieces will be sticking around for the next venture, including the restaurant’s signature sign.
Lewis said a decision has not been made on whether the restaurant will carry over the Marina Oyster Barn name or take on something new. More information will be available in coming weeks as construction ensues.
Even though details are still vague, Lewis is excited for the process.
"We want to make this a very family friendly place," Lewis said. "I think we can do something really nice for the neighborhood (and) keep it true to the soul of Pensacola Heights."
The iconic Marina Oyster Barn is gone, but construction of a new restaurant is underway
Marina Oyster Barn closed its doors in 2021, but a group of Pensacola natives have been working behind the scenes to give the eatery a second life.
www.pnj.com
The iconic Marina Oyster Barn is gone, but construction of a new restaurant is underway
Demolition of East Pensacola Heights' Marina Oyster Barn concluded Wednesday, but the iconic eatery's story is not over yet.
Three Pensacola natives plan to rebuild the historic space and give it a second life as a new restaurant.
Owner Kellan Lewis, owner of Hevi Transport, an oil and gas company based out of Houston, moved back home to Pensacola three years ago and has been replanting roots in all his childhood hangouts. The Marina Oyster Barn overlooked the bayou where he practiced water sports as a kid and he frequented the spot at least once a week.
When the place went on the market in 2021, he along with two other childhood friends could not stand to see it die out.
"We thought it was just a great spot, It had a lot of history. We love the neighborhood," he said. "We are trying to keep the footprint true to the neighborhood. We all grew up here."
ewis said they originally planned to preserve the building, only to realize it was practically falling in on itself after years of hurricane damage.
"The building that was there after Sally was unsalvageable," he explained.
Lewis said the new owners have spent the past year maintaining and making small renovations to the marina portion of the property that has continued to operate even in between the transfer of ownership. During that year, they also began to reimagine what restaurant portion of the place could be.
Though plans are still subject to change, the owners have decided that they would like to create a seafood-boil type spot, built around a simple menu and fresh catch. The owners will be hands-on with the construction process, which he anticipates will take about eight to twelve weeks to complete.
Items like steamed shrimp and crab, fried fish and raw oysters will be highlights of the menu, with an outdoor seating area for visitors to gas up their boat or sip on a cold drink.
"That's the plan for right now. That's the goal that we are working towards," Lewis said.
Right now, the space is not planned to be built like a traditional restaurant with four walls and a ceiling, but more like deck that can easily be packed up in case of a storm, he said.
It's going to happen again," Lewis said of a hurricane. "Probably sooner rather than later."
Even though the building was scrapped, Lewis made sure that most of the memorabilia was returned to long-time owner Dale Rooks and his family. Some pieces will be sticking around for the next venture, including the restaurant’s signature sign.
Lewis said a decision has not been made on whether the restaurant will carry over the Marina Oyster Barn name or take on something new. More information will be available in coming weeks as construction ensues.
Even though details are still vague, Lewis is excited for the process.
"We want to make this a very family friendly place," Lewis said. "I think we can do something really nice for the neighborhood (and) keep it true to the soul of Pensacola Heights."
