The Costa family will transfer ownership of the Bluewater Bay and Niceville McDonald’s restaurants to new owners Tim and Stacey Hughes beginning Dec. 15, ending over 25 years of Costa family ownership.

Founder and Niceville resident David Costa Sr. has owned both locations since 1997. Throughout two decades, both locations underwent various upgrades to adapt to the community, including local high school photos and memorabilia in the Niceville restaurant and an expanded PlayPlace in Bluewater Bay.

• “These restaurants truly reflect the heart and soul of the community that surrounds them,” said David Costa Sr. “We wanted anyone who visits the restaurant to get a true feel for where they are and understand what a special place Niceville is.”

Both locations have supported community events like the annual Christmas parade, championship athletic team send-offs and benefit nights. Costa Enterprises programs also aided the community, including donating a percentage of McCafe sales to charity, providing college scholarships to employees and giving free coffee to teachers.

• During COVID-19, Costa’s 28 locations distributed 9,000 free meals to frontline workers. After Hurricanes Harvey and Michael, Costa assisted with housing, water and supplies.
• The company donated $100,000 to Studer Family Children’s Hospital for a new playroom and generationally to the Northwest Florida State College Costa Leadership Institute.

“We’ve made it a priority to give back and support those in our community and support organizations that are going to propel this area into the future and develop it for future generations to come,” David Sr. said.

Costa raised his three kids in Bluewater Bay. “The Niceville community has been an integral part of our journey, both personally and professionally,” he said. “We are truly appreciative of the memories and the community we’ve built together and will continue to support and give back in various ways.”

While David Sr., Helen, and Amy, will take a step back from the business after the transition of Niceville and Bluewater Bay, David Jr. will continue the Costa legacy with McDonald’s locations in Crestview, Panama City, and beyond.