Tommy Bahama celebrates grand return to St. Armands Circle

The navy blue awning of Tommy Bahama is one of the first sights to greet visitors to St. Armands Circle from the south end, and the store is abuzz with new energy since reopening after being devastated by last year's hurricanes.

The combined restaurant and retail location made its gradual return this fall, hosting soft reopening events on Sept. 23 and 24. It officially rang in a grand reopening the evening of Nov. 5 at the new site, which was the previous spot of the Shore restaurant on St. Armands. 

Tommy Bahama CEO Doug Wood joined in the celebration, and he shared what he appreciates about the reworked space.

"I was here the week after the hurricanes last year, and when you see the devastation to the community and what it's done to people, to be able to think, 'In a year's time, we could come back and do something pretty magnificent,' it means a lot," he said. "I'm really proud of our company and all the hard work and effort it took to get here. What we're serving up, I think people are going to love."

While re-establishing essential utilities and services was a priority on the islands, getting restaurants and shops open again also plays an important role in reminding residents why they love the area, Wood said.

Tommy Bahama has been operating for 30 years, and its second location opened just across the Circle in 1996.

Wood said the revamped space should still provide longtime patrons with the experience they've come to love. But there are certain new design aspects he thinks they will enjoy as well, from the roof that opens on two sides of the restaurant to the amber-lit bar area.

"When people come here, they want the character," he said. "From a design standpoint, we said, 'We have to show them an elevated Tommy Bahama, but with a nod to who and where we are.'"

General manager Ryan McNulty shared that sentiment and his excitement for the future of the stores on St. Armands. He typically manages operations in Naples — where the first Tommy Bahama Restaurant opened in 1995 — but he stepped in to help the stores rebuild.

"A lot of staff and locals are excited that we're open again," he said, reassuring diners that the staple dishes like coconut shrimp and Sanibel chicken weren't going anywhere, even if the exterior looks different.

"We're still that same Tommy Bahama, just with a somewhat more upscale experience," he added.

McNulty said the design of the expansive bar is unique to this location, as is the hand-painted sculpture on the back patio depicting the brand's iconic marlin.

"All those parts come together to make this place really special," he added.

He noted that only four locations in the United States sell furniture, and the store at 371 St. Armands Circle would be the fifth.

Laughter carried from the rooftop bar across the business hub, especially when the musician who goes by Fleming played the famous song from the film "2001: A Space Odyssey" to signal the opening of the roof.

Attendees had only positive feedback to offer about the remodeled space, with Stephanie Roberts adding that it was "stunning."

"I love what they've done with the back patio," she said. "It's going to be a huge hit for the Circle."

McNulty said he hopes everyone who visits after the grand opening appreciates the new experience as well.

"We supply the food, the cocktails, the fun — all they have to do is come and enjoy the rest," he said.