Steinhatchee, FL – July 1, 2023 – Roy’s Restaurant, a well-loved waterfront dining spot in Steinhatchee since 1969, is on its way back after being hit hard by a series of hurricanes. Known for fresh seafood, classic dishes, and its tight-knit, family-run culture, the restaurant has become a local staple over the decades.
Owner Linda Wicker didn’t originally plan to run a restaurant. She was working in real estate when the opportunity to buy Roy’s unexpectedly landed in her lap. Since then, she and her family have run the business side by side, employing over 30 people and serving loyal customers from across the region.
“People came to Roy’s because the food was consistent and made with care,” Wicker said. “I’m a bit of a food perfectionist, so we made sure everything that came out of that kitchen was something we’d be proud to eat ourselves.”
The restaurant was no stranger to storms, but the past 15 months brought three hurricanes, with one doing total damage. “We’ve weathered storms before, but this one wiped us out,” she said. “When I saw the roof sitting in the marina next door, it just took my breath away.”
Despite the loss, Wicker and her family decided to keep going. They opened a food trailer as a temporary solution, helping keep some staff working and continuing to serve the community while they worked on plans for a new building.
That’s when the Florida SBDC at Florida A&M University stepped in to help.
Noel Munson, a consultant with the SBDC, became a trusted guide. “Noel kept me on track when everything felt overwhelming,” Wicker said. “He would call and say, ‘You need to apply for this. Here’s where it goes. Here’s who to talk to.’ Honestly, he was a lifesaver.”
Through the SBDC, Roy’s was able to secure a State of Florida bridge loan and later an SBA disaster loan. Wicker said she likely wouldn’t have known about those opportunities—or followed through—without Munson’s support.
“We were spinning in circles some days. Noel helped us take the next step. He gave us the push we needed when we didn’t have it in us,” she said.
Today, the family is working with architects and engineers to design and rebuild Roy’s from the ground up. The process is slower than they’d like, but Wicker says they’re committed to reopening.
“We’ve been here a long time, and this community has always supported us,” she said. “The food’s still great, the trailer’s open, and we’re working every day to bring back the full Roy’s experience.”
