Local eatery Pickle’s is celebrating 30 years of business at their Seaside Central Square location. Founded by Bill and Heavenly Dawson in 1993, Pickle’s started with only 48 square feet and a limited menu consisting of hotdogs, beer, and pickles. 

• However, it quickly gained popularity for its burgers and hand-spun milkshakes.

Over the years, Pickle’s has become an unofficial historical landmark in the Seaside community, remaining in the same location along Seaside Square. In recognition of its outstanding burgers, Pickle’s was named the Hottest Spot for Burgers in 2023 by the 30A’s Hot Spot Awards.

After 32 years of running the business, Bill and Heavenly Dawson sold their company consisting of five notable Seaside restaurants, including Pickle’s, to Clark and Ashley Beecher of Houston, Texas.

The Beechers and their local operating partners, Baron and Courtney Fields, have remained true to the roots of The Dawson Group while incorporating innovative systems, additional menu items, modern concepts, and merchandise to each of the restaurants, including Pickle’s.

One of the main changes they implemented was streamlining the menu while adding value through fresh produce and high-quality meats. The new owners also added new menu items like Kolaches and breakfast tacos that have become popular among customers.

They also introduced online ordering to Pickle’s for the convenience of their guests, which has increased productivity within the restaurant.

The Beechers have made community support a priority, and as such, they have gotten involved in local events and organizations like the Seaside School Foundation and South Walton Academy. 

• Pickle’s now has 30 regular employees and up to 50 seasonal employees, occupying over 4,000 square feet, including the new addition, The Sandbar, a beachside bar located along the sand dunes that opened on February 15, 2023.

“People from all over the world visit Seaside with their families,” Beecher said. “We are lucky to be a part of their stay and it is such a privilege to be a small part of their family memories at the beach.”