• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
MENUMENU
MENUMENU
  • Home
  • About
    • Contact Us
    • FlaglerLive Board of Directors
    • Comment Policy
    • Mission Statement
    • Our Values
  • Live Calendar
  • Submit Obituary
  • Submit an Event
  • Support FlaglerLive
  • Advertise on FlaglerLive (386) 503-3808
  • Search Results

FlaglerLive

No Bull, no Fluff, No Smudges

MENUMENU
  • Flagler
    • Flagler County Commission
    • Beverly Beach
    • Economic Development Council
    • Flagler History
    • Mondex/Daytona North
    • The Hammock
    • Tourist Development Council
  • Palm Coast
    • Palm Coast City Council
    • Palm Coast Crime
  • Bunnell
    • Bunnell City Commission
    • Bunnell Crime
  • Flagler Beach
    • Flagler Beach City Commission
    • Flagler Beach Crime
  • Cops/Courts
    • Circuit & County Court
    • Florida Supreme Court
    • Federal Courts
    • Flagler 911
    • Fire House
    • Flagler County Sheriff
    • Flagler Jail Bookings
    • Traffic Accidents
  • Rights & Liberties
    • Fourth Amendment
    • First Amendment
    • Privacy
    • Second Amendment
    • Seventh Amendment
    • Sixth Amendment
    • Sunshine Law
    • Third Amendment
    • Religion & Beliefs
    • Human Rights
    • Immigration
    • Labor Rights
    • 14th Amendment
    • Civil Rights
  • Schools
    • Adult Education
    • Belle Terre Elementary
    • Buddy Taylor Middle
    • Bunnell Elementary
    • Charter Schools
    • Daytona State College
    • Flagler County School Board
    • Flagler Palm Coast High School
    • Higher Education
    • Imagine School
    • Indian Trails Middle
    • Matanzas High School
    • Old Kings Elementary
    • Rymfire Elementary
    • Stetson University
    • Wadsworth Elementary
    • University of Florida/Florida State
  • Economy
    • Jobs & Unemployment
    • Business & Economy
    • Development & Sprawl
    • Leisure & Tourism
    • Local Business
    • Local Media
    • Real Estate & Development
    • Taxes
  • Commentary
    • The Conversation
    • Pierre Tristam
    • Diane Roberts
    • Guest Columns
    • Byblos
    • Editor's Blog
  • Culture
    • African American Cultural Society
    • Arts in Palm Coast & Flagler
    • Books
    • City Repertory Theatre
    • Flagler Auditorium
    • Flagler Playhouse
    • Flagler Youth Orchestra
    • Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra
    • Palm Coast Arts Foundation
    • Special Events
  • Elections 2022
    • Amendments and Referendums
    • Presidential Election
    • Campaign Finance
    • City Elections
    • Congressional
    • Constitutionals
    • Courts
    • Governor
    • Polls
    • Voting Rights
  • Florida
    • Federal Politics
    • Florida History
    • Florida Legislature
    • Florida Legislature
    • Ron DeSantis
  • Health & Society
    • Flagler County Health Department
    • Ask the Doctor Column
    • Health Care
    • Health Care Business
    • Covid-19
    • Children and Families
    • Medicaid and Medicare
    • Mental Health
    • Poverty
    • Violence
  • All Else
    • Daily Briefing
    • Americana
    • Obituaries
    • News Briefs
    • Weather and Climate
    • Wildlife

“They Don’t Give a Damn”: Flagler Beach Wants Pier Restaurant Owners Who Do

October 5, 2010 | FlaglerLive | 11 Comments

The Rembrandt light effect is going to waste in the bedgraggled Pier Restaurant. (© FlaglerLive)

The Pier Restaurant in Flagler Beach straddles the city’s most iconic landmark. As such, the 48-year-old restaurant should presumably complement and enhance the city’s image, especially since the property is owned by the city. But here’s how customers see the place: “This place is dirty and we are not coming back.” “Wanted to dine on the ocean and not inside. For such a prominent location it does not represent this community in a very good light.” “I have lived here all my life used to frequent often but no more because they don’t give a damn they won’t even seat ya when you walk in.”

Leaving a bad taste in visitors’ mouths is an easy way to ensure that they won’t return.


Click On:

  • Consultant’s Full Report
  • Ormond’s River Grille Owner Closer to Taking Over Flagler Beach’s Pier Restaurant
  • Great Ocean View, Fun Pier, 5,000 Landlords. $3,329/mo. (Big Chains Need Not Apply)
  • Barshay’s July Proposal
  • Barshay’s April Proposal
  • The Pier Restaurant “White Paper”


For several years now, it’s been clear to customers of the restaurant and to city commissioners that the restaurant’s lease owner, Kaitlin Meyer, isn’t interested in running the place anymore. Her lease expires in April 2012. She wants to cede the place to Raymond Barshay, who runs River Grille on the Tomoka in Ormond Beach and has designs to turn the Pier Restaurant into a dining destination worthy of its location. Several obstacles stood in his way.

The city last spring was uncomfortable with letting Barshay assume the lease outright. Commissioners wanted to see what interest there might be among other restaurateurs for the property. The administration produced a “white paper” summing up the property’s history and value and advertised it to potential takers, but only briefly, and in three Florida markets—Tampa, Orlando and Jacksonville. There were few takers. Those who called didn’t follow up. Barshay was still the front-runner. Then the owners of the Flagler Fish Company made a pitch, saying they should have as much a right to bid on the property as Barshay.


Still uncertain over how to proceed, commissioners decided to let a consultant evaluate the Pier Restaurant lease and make recommendations. They hired ParkLand International Realty, which has been involved in evaluating restaurants as famous as Windows on the World, the restaurant that once occupied the top floor of 1 World Trace Center. It’s from Parkland’s report that those customers’ reactions to the Pier Restaurant are quoted.

“The main reason restaurants fail today is because of the management of the restaurant,” ParkLand’s Jim Densmore said. The report was submitted to commissioners last month. It was as if custom-written to set the table for Barshay’s venture.

Barshay’s own proposal, submitted to the commission in April, includes proposed investments of between $400,000 and $500,000, rent payments of $35,000 in the first year with additional rent payments based on 1 percent of sales above $1.2 million in the first two years. The $1.2 million is based on an assumption that the restaurant would generate at least $20 per seat per day in the 158-seat restaurant. (Meyer is currently paying $32,400, so the difference would be slight.) Barshay would also add outside dining and enter into a 10-year lease with the city, with option to renew three times in five-year increments.

Here’s what the ParkLand consultant concluded: Require the new tenant to commit, in writing, to an initial investment of $450,000 to $600,000 and require that that investment be verifiably spent according to a 12-month occupancy timeline; First and second-year rent would be set at $3,000 a month, or $36,000 a year. Additional rent based on a percentage of gross sales would be negotiated. Between 2 to 5 percent of the tenant’s sales would have to be spent on marketing and advertising.

“This icon location today does not promote the city the way she deserves,” the report states. “This is the flagship and identity of Flagler Beach. Our suggestions include exterior face lift in keeping with a nautical theme; open up either road frontage side, North or South with some outside dining including umbrellas. This simple suggestion is signage that here inside is an ‘active’ dining facility. There should also be open-air dining on the beachside either on the pier or a beachfront deck or both should be considered.”

The report also recommended that the city produce a request for proposal that would invite any restaurateur to bid to take over the lease. But the report’s “target tenant” stressed that the new lease holder should be a seasoned, with eight to 10 years’ experience running a restaurant, and one who’d be willing to also take over the bait and tackle shop and operate the pier itself, with responsibility for keeping the bathrooms well maintained. The income of the bait and tackle shop would be entirely the new lease owner’s. Pier fees would all be returned to the city, though a cottage business would b allowed on the pier, with 50 percent of its proceeds going back to the city.

While the report suggested an RFP, Densmore, the consultant, also recommended to commissioners, referring directly to Barshay, that “it would be beneficial for this person to assume the current lease.”

That’s what commissioners wanted to hear. “I’m ready to say to the attorney to start negotiating,” Commissioner Joy McGrew said. “We were long overdue to have someone in there. It’s become an embarrassment for the city and I’m ready for things to change.”

Commissioner Steve Settle repeatedly said he wanted a “hard bargain” with Barshay, and higher payments from the property. But the commission was more interested in keeping Barshay’s interest in the restaurant, and voted unanimously to start negotiations with him.

Print Friendly, PDF & Email
You and your neighbors collectively read our articles about 25,000 times each day (that's not a typo) with up to 65,000 daily reads during emergencies like hurricanes. Flagler County residents rely on FlaglerLive for essential, bold and analytical journalism that cannot be found anywhere else. But we depend on your support. Please join our December fund drive! If you donate the cost of a scoop of ice cream, you will be helping us continue to provide comprehensive local news and honest, serious journalism for our community. If you can donate more or become a monthly donor, even better. Donations are tax deductible since FlaglerLive is a 501(c)(3) non-profit news organization. Donate by clicking anywhere in this box. Think of it as buying a scoop, in every sense of the term!  
All donors' identities are kept confidential and anonymous.
   

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Neal Ecker says

    October 5, 2010 at 3:59 pm

    And why isn’t it that a reputable Flagler Beach restaurant, like the Flagler Fish company, is not being considered for this opportunity?

    Reply
  2. Anita Schack/Jensen says

    October 5, 2010 at 4:29 pm

    My husband and I used to go to the pier restaurant all the time and often talk about the good times and the good food we had there. I was raised in Flagler beach and remember going with my parents to eat breakfast there also, before my father would go fishing out on the pier. I hope they get back to what they used to be. It is a shame to read this article on how bad it has become.

    Reply
  3. Bill Ryan says

    October 5, 2010 at 7:41 pm

    Visit Mr. Barshay’s restaurant The River Grill US1 at the Tomoka River to see a great place.
    He spent a fortune on historic decorations there, the food is excellent. He also has a great
    appreciation for history and Florida. I hope Flagler Beach can make a deal with him as
    we really need an upscale place. We have been going to The Pier for over 20 years but
    finally quit due to bad coffee and poor food.

    Reply
  4. John Smith says

    October 5, 2010 at 10:14 pm

    The difference is Barshay is going to put the money of $400,000 to $550,000 into the place up before even opening up the place where the Fish Co at the last commish meeting says they are not going to do anything until the lease is up in 2012. Thats why it needs to be done now instead of years down the road when it might not even make it through a storm.

    Reply
  5. T says

    October 6, 2010 at 8:03 am

    I really hope Mr. Barshay is able to take over and fix it up to what it should be. I am really looking forward to going to the new Flagler Beach Pier. I also hope he adds some sort of outside bar.

    Reply
  6. It's a Pit says

    October 6, 2010 at 9:23 am

    Was there last year….horrible place….food took an hour to come out (for three)…there were maybe eight others there at two different tables… when food arrived it was all cold. Service lousy-we were basically ignored. While we ate staff walked around our table coughing, sneezing and sniffling….then used brooms and dustpans on the carpet around us and swept up dirt, crumbs and debris around surrounding tables – kicking up all kinds of stuff into the air. I asked to see the manager. I asked why they aren’t using the rolling sweepers that other restaurants use. Using brooms and dustpans on carpet was not good. He agreed and said they would use rolling sweepers if the owners would pay for them, so they are stuck with using brooms on the carpet. I wonder what other shortcuts take place? This place is a pit. It smells too. Hire Barshay, make us proud of Flagler Beach and get this place going again!

    Reply
  7. Running Bull says

    October 6, 2010 at 1:32 pm

    I quit eating there over fifteen years ago. I can not even begin to imagine what the place is like now. The ideas of the consultant are great. I have always wondered why they never had outdoor dining with such a beautiful place to do it at. Maybe now it will be a go.

    Reply
  8. Rick G says

    October 6, 2010 at 1:57 pm

    My wife and I moved to this area about 9 years ago and early on frequented the Flagler Pier Restaurant. But not anymore. After two bad experiences we never returned. It’s a shame since I agree with the Parkland report. The restaurant should be a major attraction for Flagler Beach. I and my wife will wait anxiously to see the improvements.

    Reply
  9. Tony & Michaelyn says

    October 8, 2010 at 8:06 pm

    So glad to hear that something is going to be done with this restaurant. Currently it should be condemned — it’s simply too dirty to eat in. We are looking forward to having a lovely place in which to eat in Flagler Beach.

    Reply
  10. Rinehart Video Productions says

    December 20, 2010 at 9:01 pm

    I’m from Sarasota and I’ve been here many times. The food is always good for me. Breakfast is not that hard to cook. But It could be so much better.

    Reply
  11. john wilson says

    December 30, 2010 at 9:25 am

    wondering why a bubba gump,crab seafood shack,or a similar operation has’nt come forward ? make’s you wonder….HOW ABOUT GALE AND COMPANY THAT OPERATE THE HIGH TIDE/SNACK JACKS PLACES !!

    Reply
  • Flagler Radio food-a-thon
  • politis matovina attorneys for justice personal injury law auto truck accidents
  • grand living realty

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Advertisers

  • grand living realty
  • Flagler Radio food-a-thon
  • politis matovina attorneys for justice personal injury law auto truck accidents

Recent Comments

  • Barbara Royere on DeSantis Will Announce His Presidential Bid From Dunedin
  • The dude on 11 Year Old Tells Jury Her Uncle Raped Her ‘Multiple Times’; Defense Fails to Impeach Her Credibility
  • Deborah Coffey on DeSantis Names Meredith Sasso, Another Federalist Society Apostle, to Supreme Court
  • P. on 750-Home Gated Community Called Coquina Shores to Rise North of SR100, Along Old Kings Road
  • P. on Law Requiring Later School Start Times Is Causing Significant Push-Back from Local Boards
  • Dennis C Rathsam on Biden’s About Consensus. America Is Increasingly Divided. Can He Win Again?
  • FlaglerLive on In Seminole Woods, 42 Acres of Greenbelt Are Converted to Allow 180-Home Subdivision
  • FlaglerLive on In Seminole Woods, 42 Acres of Greenbelt Are Converted to Allow 180-Home Subdivision
  • Dennis C Rathsam on DeSantis Names Meredith Sasso, Another Federalist Society Apostle, to Supreme Court
  • ITMS 6th grader on Arrested Over School-Shooting Threats, ITMS 6th Grader Had Secured Gloves and Was Looking for a Gun
  • The Sour Kraut on In Seminole Woods, 42 Acres of Greenbelt Are Converted to Allow 180-Home Subdivision
  • JustBeNice on In Seminole Woods, 42 Acres of Greenbelt Are Converted to Allow 180-Home Subdivision
  • Jimbo99 on Daytona Area Home Sales And Prices Are Falling
  • Jimbo99 on Biden’s About Consensus. America Is Increasingly Divided. Can He Win Again?
  • TR on In Seminole Woods, 42 Acres of Greenbelt Are Converted to Allow 180-Home Subdivision
  • Follower on 240-Unit Apartment Complex Planned Next to BJ’s Wholesale Club on State Road 100 in Palm Coast

Log in