Stories from the Pinchers family
Since 1997 the Phelan family has served fresh Florida seafood from our own boats. Here we share where our stone crab comes from, the traditions that started at our first little bar in Bonita Springs, and the people behind every Pinchers.
Our historyHow did Pinchers start?Pinchers opened in Bonita Springs, Florida, on October 15, 1997, with 12 tables and six staff. How Tony, Grant and Kathleen Phelan built it, and how it grew to ten restaurants.Read the story
Pinchers traditionsWhat is the Pinchers Shuffle?The Pinchers Shuffle started at the little bar of the first Pinchers. It's one of the ways guests have shaped the restaurant since 1997.
Our historyWhy is it called Pinchers?Kathleen Phelan named Pinchers after the blue crabs the family planned to serve. The first restaurant opened as Pinchers Crab Shack in 1997.
From boat to tableHow are stone crabs caught?Pinchers runs its own fishing fleet with about 10,000 stone crab traps. Here's how the claws get from Florida waters to your table.
Our historyWhen is Pinchers’ birthday?Pinchers' birthday is October 15, the day the first Pinchers opened in 1997 and the first day of Florida stone crab season. How the family marks it, from opening-day claws to the Naples Stone Crab Festival.
Know before you goDo you have to dress up at Pinchers?No. Pinchers has always welcomed shorts, sandy feet, families and fishermen. Here's the lesson behind Tony Phelan's come-as-you-are rule.
FamilyWho are Tony and Grant Phelan?Tony Phelan founded Pinchers in Bonita Springs in 1997 with his son Grant as the first chef. Grant is now president and CEO of Phelan Family Brands. Their story, from Texas to Southwest Florida.
Our historyWho was Pinchers’ first employee?Elizabeth "Lizard" was the first person Tony Phelan hired for Pinchers in 1997. She and the long-time team helped make Pinchers what it is.
FamilyWho is Kathleen Phelan?Kathleen Phelan is Tony Phelan's wife, Grant Phelan's mother and a co-owner of the family business behind Pinchers. A former schoolteacher, she named the restaurant.
FamilyWhat did Tony Phelan do before Pinchers?Before Pinchers, Tony Phelan learned the restaurant business at Steak and Ale in Houston, in the company's early years under Norman Brinker.
Pinchers traditionsWhat are the stories behind the details at Pinchers?Pallet tables, barrel lights and a sign painted on salvaged teak: how Tony and Grant Phelan built the first Pinchers by hand in 1997.
Know before you goWhy do kids eat free at Pinchers?Kids eat free with a paying adult at Pinchers. The Phelans raised their own son in restaurants and wanted parents to be able to relax.Bring the family to Pinchers
Ten family-owned restaurants on Florida's Gulf Coast, with stone crab, blue crab and grouper from our own boats.