Our Story

Rusty Bellies, established in June 2005, is the realization of aspirations cultivated across three generations of our family, spanning over forty years. We are family-owned and operated, with our roots in Tarpon Springs dating back to the 1970s. The business began with my grandparents, Joe and Sue Reis. They purchased a few fishing boats, including a shrimp boat, and eventually acquired the boatyard, then developed the seafood market. In 1985, operations were passed to my parents, Jack and Julie, with Jack undertaking boat refurbishments and fishing, and Julie running the fish market, Pelican Point Seafood. In 2002, Jack completed the build of the Julie Ann, an 85ft steel shrimp boat. The Julie Ann was constructed to provide fresh Gulf shrimp to Pelican Point Seafood. At that time, few shrimp boats remained in Tarpon Springs and our seafood market needed shrimp. It didn't hurt that Jack was a great welder, so he got to work building the boat by hand on this very property. Jack also refurbished the Redman, a grouper fishing boat, and the Bad Ginger, a grouper boat, and the Miss Wyolene, a stone crab boat. To this day, the Julie Ann, Redman, Bad Ginger, and Miss Wyolene remain integral parts of providing seafood to our guests. Our fleet of boats are still operated by our family, with the help of some great local fishermen. In 2005, Rusty Bellies was built on the boatyard property and was opened by Julie, Jack, myself, and soon-to-be-husband, Keaton. Nearly nineteen years later, you will most likely see our children lending a hand in the dining room and paving their way as the 4th generation of our family business.

Rusty Bellies derives its name from our family's passion for fishing, especially gulf grouper fishing. The "Rusty Bellie" is the nickname for the large male gag grouper, typically ranging between twenty and sixty pounds, with "rust" colored markings on its underbelly. As you explore our restaurant, you'll see photos of our precious family, friends, and local fishermen who bring the freshest seafood directly to our dock. The menu honors fishermen by naming dishes after their beloved boats, recognizing their dedication to providing fresh Florida wild-caught seafood. We are committed to supporting the local working waterfront and local fishermen, and by dining with us, you are truly making a difference by supporting the local seafood industry. We are grateful to our guests and feel honored to have you dine with us. We welcome you to stop in, relax, enjoy the view, and let us prepare the freshest seafood for you.

Jacquelyn, Keaton, Julie, and Jack  (Coco and Major too!)