A historic piece of waterfront property in Islamorada is coming back to life with a restaurant, bar and boat slips. With their building permit in hand, the Hertel family and partners Bob Lee and Mica Perry recently broke ground at the Papa Joe’s Waterfront at MM 79.
“We are working with a great team of local construction experts,” said co-owner Charles Hertel. “We are happy to have Island Villa and D. Horton Construction and project manager Lee Mullins on board. Together we’re going to build our dream destination while also capturing the Florida Keys nostalgia of the original fishing camp.”
As the founding owners of Islamorada Fish Company, George and Dorothy Hertel raised their son Charles in the restaurant business. Now a successful charter boat captain with a degree in business, Charles is partnering with Bob Lee and Mica Perry to create Papa Joe’s Waterfront.
The Perrys co-own chain restaurants throughout the country, as well as numerous other businesses. Since getting Bob a backcountry fishing trip in Islamorada for his birthday 15 years ago, the couple has been hooked on the area and is proud to call Islamorada home.
Papa Joe’s Waterfront will have direct ocean and bay access.
The group purchased the property in June of 2021 and aims to open the restaurant, bar and fish camp in the summer of 2023. You can visit www.PapaJoesWaterfront.com for a countdown clock and updates as construction progresses.
