HM Restaurant Group named to 2025 Best Places to Work by Gulfshore Business

FORT MYERS, Fla. (June 4, 2025) – HM Restaurant Group is among Gulfshore Business’ 2025 Best Places to Work in Southwest Florida, an exclusive accolade reserved for only 21 top local companies. The family-oriented group was recognized for its people-first culture and commitment to 275 employees across Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille, Dixie Fish Company and the coming-soon Bonita Fish Company. It’s the company’s first time on the list.
“It is such an honor to be included among businesses that have been named the best of the best year after year,” said Joe Harrity, a partner with HM Restaurant Group. “We have the top people in the business and are proud of our team. We prioritize every staff member by supporting them, creating a fun environment and encouraging them to be their very best.”
The magazine’s annual Best Places to Work recognizes companies that care about their employees. Businesses are evaluated independently by a third-party research firm, which considers company policies, practices, benefits and demographics and conducts employee surveys with open-ended questions. The cumulative data determines how each company motivates, manages and retains its team members.
“Every single day, our employees embrace our mission to connect people with great food, exceptional hospitality and legendary guest experiences,” added Harrity. “Our culture is among the company’s greatest strengths and built on mutual respect, pride in the brand and a shared love of Florida’s coastal way of life. Any recognition for HM Restaurant Group is a reflection of our team.”
With Florida roots, the company’s philosophy is grounded in hospitality, innovation, quality and a commitment to the Southwest Florida community. The approach drives every decision – from how dishes are created to how teams are managed.
HM Restaurant Group offers employee insurance through a group plan, provides flexible scheduling for a healthy work-life balance and funds $200 toward toll reimbursement for Sanibel team members. It rewards staff with regular employee appreciation events, performance-based incentives and awards programs highlighting outstanding contributions. Employees also enjoy generous food and merchandise discounts at the restaurants and support for advancing their careers. Many managers and senior team members started in entry-level positions.
Founded in 1997, HM Restaurant Group owns and operates the popular Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille, known for vibrant coastal dining experiences reflecting Florida’s heritage. With locations on Sanibel and Fort Myers Beach, and two more in St. Petersburg, the restaurants are a beloved staple for both locals and visitors and perennial winners of Tripadvisor’s top Travelers’ Choice accolades. The St. Petersburg Pier location was named the county’s No. 1 Best of the Best Restaurants for Everyday Eats in 2023.
The group also owns Dixie Fish Company and Bonita Fish Company, formerly Bonita Bill’s, both on Fort Myers Beach. The restaurants pay homage to old Florida fish houses with a coastal culinary flair. Dixie Fish Company is a 2023 Yelp Top 100 Florida Restaurant and Tripadvisor’s No. 3 ranked of 73 Fort Myers Beach restaurants. Bonita Fish Company will open later this year following renovations.
HM Restaurant Group supports the community through significant contributions from fundraising efforts, financial donations and local engagements. Employees regularly volunteer for beach cleanups, food drives and other community initiatives, reinforcing their connection to the places where they live and work.
“Philanthropy and community outreach have been hallmarks of Doc Ford’s since the very beginning,” said Harrity. “We believe in being a pillar of the community, not just a great place to eat.”
HM Restaurant Group has raised a cumulative $133,000 for Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida and John Hopkins All Children’s Hospital in St. Petersburg by donating $1 from each sale of select drinks at Doc Ford’s. The restaurateur has since expanded its support with the Send it South cocktail, which raises money toward improving the health of the Florida Everglades and Florida Bay through Captains For Clean Water. The “Ding” Darling Doc Ford’s Tarpon Tournament has raised $1.57 million for Sanibel’s J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge since 2012. The 14th annual tournament is May 15, 2026.