OUR STORY

Our story kicks off with the Loder family patriarch, Bill Loder, whose roots in the seafood business trace back to the shores of New Jersey. Picture a young couple, Bill and Dolores, immersing themselves in the world of seafood since their marriage in 1954, just outside Philadelphia. Blue crabs were their roadside specialty, complemented by the charm of a small seafood joint. The Loders, true sea enthusiasts, embarked on journeys to the Jersey shore, Delaware, and Maryland, ensuring the freshest catch made its way to the tables of their community. Fast forward to 1968, and the Loders found their seafood haven in Madeira Beach, Florida, expanding from blue crab sales to fishing, clamming, and statewide seafood distribution.

The climax of this tale arrives in 1975 with the opening of Captain Bill’s Beach Kitchen. Here, family recipes and fresh catches blended seamlessly as Mom showcased her culinary prowess, Dad expertly shucked clams and oysters, and the kids embraced their roles, creating a genuine family affair.

After a journey marked by various locations, boats, and trucks, the Loders planted their roots in Indian Rocks Beach by opening the Original Crabby Bill’s on April 28th in 1983. Transforming a small spot, once Wolfies hotdog stand, into the Fish Market, Crabby Bill’s became synonymous with fresh seafood in Tampa Bay.

Matt Loder, Sr., the driving force behind the Crabby Bill’s Empire, fondly recalls those early days when the family thought Dad’s unconventional approach was a stroke of genius.

We didn’t even have a sign, and we used to park a truck out near the road that had our name on it!” – Matt Loder, Sr.

Six months later, Bill Loder acquired a second spot on the block, previously owned by doctors, expanding their footprint in the seafood scene. In February 1987, another strategic move unfolded as they acquired a building on the southwest corner, now the iconic Crabby Bill’s, adding a touch of Florida freshness to every plate.

Now, the story behind the name Crabby Bill’s unfolds. After bidding farewell to Captain Bill’s in 1982, a fresh moniker was needed. Daughter Eleanor had the winning idea: “Dad is crabby, we like crabs, why not Crabby Bill’s?” And so, a brand was born. Crabby Bill’s has grown from a small 800-square-foot building on Gulf Bivd to a comprehensive family of brands, including Crabby Gifts, Jake’s Coastal Cantina, Seabreeze Island Grill, Pipo N Betty’s Bakery, Crabby Bill’s St. Pete Beach, JD’s Lounge & Restaurant, Cabanas Coastal Grill, Evy’s Terrace Bar & Bistro, and Bon Appetit Restaurant. Celebrate over 40 years of seafood excellence in Tampa Bay, where each dish carries the freshness of the Florida coast.