Search
Close this search box.

Dawson Group acquires Stinky’s Fish Camp, Red Fish Taco in South Walton expansion

The Dawson Group's acquisition of Stinky's Fish Camp, Stinky's Bait Shack, and Red Fish Taco marks a significant expansion for the locally owned restaurant group, bringing their total to nine establishments along 30A.
Clark Beecher, Ashley Beecher, Courtney Fields and Baron Fields (Contributed photo)

The Dawson Group has acquired three established South Walton restaurants from Word of Mouth Restaurant Group owner Jim Richard, expanding their presence from Seaside to the west end of 30A.

  • The acquisition includes Stinky’s Fish Camp, Stinky’s Bait Shack, and Red Fish Taco, adding to The Dawson Group’s existing portfolio of six establishments in Seaside.

“While our current restaurants are located in the heart of Seaside, we are excited to expand our brand into the West end of 30A,” said Ashley Beecher, who owns The Dawson Group with her husband Clark.

The Beechers, along with operating partners Baron and Courtney Fields, plan to maintain the establishments’ traditions while implementing new features. Popular menu items at Stinky’s Fish Camp, including beignets, biscuits, and the Oyster Log, will remain.

Plans for the properties include expanded breakfast offerings at Stinky’s Bait Shack and a new lunch and dinner concept by 2026. The Bait Shack will continue hosting events like the Swamp Writer Music Festival and will become the new venue for the Sand Up Comedy Festival.

  • Red Fish Taco is undergoing renovations with Tracery Interiors and will incorporate TexMex elements to its menu. “Coming from Texas, we hope to fill the niche of TexMex cuisine along 30A,” said Courtney Fields.

Matt Dunn will oversee operations at the newly acquired locations, while Kevin Martindale will continue leading The Dawson Group’s Seaside establishments.

The Dawson Group purchased their Seaside locations from Bill and Heavenly Dawson in 2020 after 32 years of operation. The current acquisition adds three established restaurants to their portfolio.

“Many of these owners are first-generation 30A locals that built and created these establishments when the area was still developing decades ago,” Ashley Beecher said. “It is an honor that they trust The Dawson Group to carry the torch.”

One Response

  1. My prayers (and whining) have been answered! So many Texans live here and need real Tex-Mex! Can’t wait!

Join the conversation...

Continue reading 👇

Community Comments

“Why not fix the dog parks adjacent to red lobster?”
Respond
“They spend 3.75 MILLION dollars of tax payer money and don't know what they are going to do with the property? If your child came in your home and said...”
Respond
“If Walton County was not so greedy and decided to “TAKE” what they wanted instead of “buying” it like other areas (Destin/Okaloosa County)have, this might have never been a problem....”
Respond
“I remember both Kathy & Lee from their work with the church youth program. Despite being a Catholic "yankee" visiting each summer I have never found a more welcoming place...”
Respond
“Hey Lee. I am so glad Danny sent this article to all the Szarowicz siblings! Congratulations on an amazing career!!! Wish I had been there to witness it. I remember...”
Respond
“Congratulations, Lee, and the very best wishes to you and Cathy during your retirement years. A heartfelt thank you on behalf of my Bolton family for your attention and care....”
Respond
“There is no public parking…note from article, “The beach bar is accessible only to Sandpiper Cove residents and guests, along with people walking up from the beach.” Walk in from...”
Respond
“This should NOT BE ALLOWED in single family residential neighborhoods.”
Respond
“It's amazing that the State of Florida can come up with money to purchase 2483 acres for a new park. But Caladesi Island State Park, Cayo Costa State Park and...”
Respond
“What a beautiful story of past, present, and future. Lee, you have left an amazing legacy. These words from Matthew 25:21 are fitting for you, ‘Well done, good and faithful...”
Respond

GET OUR FREE LOCAL NEWSLETTER

Get the weekday email that actually makes reading local news enjoyable again.