The Iconic A&B Lobster House Sold to Local Key West Group

One of Key West’s most iconic brands has changed ownership. A&B Lobster House and the adjoining businesses along the Key West Historic Seaport were recently sold to the Smith family of Key West, along with investors behind the revitalized Stock Island Marina Village.

The purchase included A&B Lobster House, Berlin’s Cigar & Cocktail Bar, Alonzo’s Oyster Bar, White Tarpon Bar, a forty-five slip marina, several retail spaces and the 70 space parking lot at 700 Front Street. The buildings that house The Commodore Waterfront Restaurant and The Boathouse Bar & Grill were also packaged in the purchase.
The new ownership consists of the Smith family, which notably consists of local Key West attorney Barton Smith, Key West Resort Utilities and the Key West Golf Club—along with investors associated with Stock Island Marina Village. The project is being managed by The Red Pants Collection, which evolved out of the Stock Island Marina team.
Mike Hartman, President of the Red Pants Collection, said the group’s decision to purchase the historic property was largely based on a vision of expansion, while preserving the almost quarter century of local nostalgia and traditions developed by former owners Gene and Will Smith.
“We want to build upon the recognized successes of Gene and Will,” said Hartman. “We understand this location is very much a part of the history of Key West. But it is also instrumental to the future of Key West, especially relating to local jobs, tourism growth and local business development. And most of all, we want to revitalize the local vibe along the Key West Harbor.”
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