Whitey’s Fish Camp, the iconic Fleming Island seafood restaurant founded in 1963, was sold for $3.8 million on March 12 to restaurant group Harry’s of America LLC through WFC1963 LLC, according to Clay County property records. The restaurant is located at 2032 County Road 220 along Doctors Lake. WFC1963 is led by Jesse Jabot, Louis Saig and Justin Griffin.
“The concept will stay the same,” Saig said. “We just want to refresh it a little bit.” The new ownership group intends to preserve the restaurant’s identity while making minor improvements, according to Saig. Planned updates include fresh paint and upgrades to kitchen equipment.
The seller was Ham Trust Inc., maintained by longtime Whitey’s staffers and siblings Elaine Cassala, Lucian Lawley and William Ham III. Whitey’s Fish Camp, with its waterfront location along Doctors Lake and casual seafood menu, has served generations of Clay County residents and visitors since its founding in 1963. The restaurant’s traditional atmosphere and location have made it a fixture in the Fleming Island community for more than six decades.
Saig and his brother, Greg, opened Harry’s Seafood Bar and Grille at The Jacksonville Landing in 1987. It started as an oyster bar but after hiring a chef from New Orleans it took on Cajun cuisine. Harry’s operates restaurants across North and Central Florida, including in Gainesville, Lakeland, Ocala, St. Augustine and Tallahassee.
The owners plan to maintain Whitey’s traditional seafood offerings while introducing a limited number of dishes associated with the Harry’s brand, primarily Harry’s jambalaya, Saig said. The acquisition represents an expansion of Harry’s footprint in Northeast Florida, adding to their existing locations throughout the state. The Fleming Island location will benefit from Harry’s established supply chain and operational expertise while retaining its local character.
The $3.8 million sale price reflects the value of both the waterfront property and the established restaurant business that has operated continuously for more than 60 years. Clay County property records show the transaction was completed through WFC1963 LLC, a subsidiary created specifically for this acquisition. The deal maintains local ownership within Florida’s restaurant industry, as Harry’s of America has deep roots in the state’s dining scene.
The new owners expect to complete the planned improvements in the coming months while keeping the restaurant operational throughout the transition period.