In the heart of Panama City, nestled on a dock above the tranquil waters of Massalina Bayou, sits a local treasure—Bayou Joe’s. Known for its picturesque views of the Tarpon Dock Bridge, the only working drawbridge in Northwest Florida, and the boats that bob gently around it, the restaurant offers more than just great food. It embodies the spirit of resilience.

Owned and operated by Kevin and Jennifer Shea, Bayou Joe’s is no stranger to the challenges posed by its unique waterfront location. Perched just feet above the bayou, the restaurant often faces significant flooding when storms roll through the Gulf. This year, Hurricane Helene was no different. Although the storm made landfall nearly 100 miles away in the Big Bend area, Bayou Joe’s was still impacted by the tidal surge.

When daylight broke after Helene’s passage, Kevin Shea faced the daunting task of assessing the conditions. The restaurant was still a foot underwater, with the familiar sight of flooded docks and debris floating nearby. Yet, even in these challenging moments, the Sheas never waver in their commitment to their beloved establishment.

“Don’t call it a comeback; we’ve been here for years,” Kevin Shea says with a smile, echoing the famous LL Cool J quote that perfectly captures their enduring spirit. “We’ve weathered plenty of storms before, and we’ll weather this one too. Our loyal customers know that Bayou Joe’s is more than just a place to eat—it’s a part of this community. We’ll be back, serving up our famous Trash Burger in no time.”

And it’s true. The “Trash Burger,” a favorite among regulars, is a unique culinary adventure every time—no two are ever the same, as the chef whimsically decides what goes into each one. It’s the kind of quirky charm that keeps people coming back.

One such loyal patron, Chris Metcalf, has been enjoying Bayou Joe’s food and views for years. “There’s something special about this place,” he says. “It’s not just the food, though that’s great too—it’s the vibe, the people, the resilience. Every time I sit down here, I feel like I’m part of something bigger, something that doesn’t give up.”

Jennifer Vigil, CEO of Destination Panama City, also sings the praises of the Sheas. “We’re incredibly fortunate to have partners like Kevin and Jennifer in our tourism community. Their optimism and unwavering dedication to Bayou Joe’s, even after the toughest storms, are truly inspiring. They always see the sunny days ahead and rebuild time and time again, embodying the very spirit of Panama City.”

With a resilient spirit and a loyal customer base cheering them on, Bayou Joe’s anticipates opening its doors for service tomorrow. The tables might need a little drying off, but the Sheas are ready to welcome everyone back with open arms and, of course, a Trash Burger or two.

In Panama City, no storm can keep a good restaurant—or its devoted owners—down for long.

ABOUT PANAMA CITY

Panama City, Florida, is located on the shores of beautiful St. Andrew Bay on Florida’s Emerald Coast and sits just about in the center of Florida’s northern Gulf Coast. With an atmosphere distinct from the bustle of nearby beaches, this destination boasts historic downtowns of Panama City and St. Andrews with their beautiful parks and an exciting arts scene. There is a collection of dining options that feature local flare and fresh seafood, along with diverse shopping opportunities. Outdoor recreation includes myriad water activities with fishing and paddling leading the way year-round.