BOYNTON BEACH, Fla. (CBS12) — Boynton Beach has transformed from a humble fishing village into a booming destination lined with condos, businesses and million-dollar views, but one landmark along the water has remained a constant for generations: Two Georges Waterfront Grille.
The restaurant’s roots trace back decades, after the opening of the Boynton Beach Inlet helped change the course of the town’s history. While the waterfront looks much different today, Two Georges has endured as a staple for fishermen and locals.
“Two Georges” was originally the name of a head boat, where people would pay per head to go deep-sea fishing each day, according to Former Boynton Beach Historical Society President Janet Naughton.
Naughton tells CBS12 News as the story goes, George Culver did the fishing, and his wife, Laurie, opened a small tavern where she would cook and serve the fisherman and locals.
Naughton said the earliest version of the restaurant was far from the waterfront destination it is now.
“The originally little restaurant it was a thatched hut, it was very primitive, and the tables were made from cable spools,” Naughton told CBS12 News.
Boynton Beach has transformed from a humble fishing village into a booming destination lined with condos, businesses and million-dollar views, but one landmark along the water has remained a constant for generations: Two Georges Waterfront Grille. (Credit: Jack Scaggs)
In 1997, the Scaggs family bought the restaurant.
The business later expanded beyond Boynton Beach to another location on the Treasure Coast.
Today, the Boynton Beach location is run by the youngest Scaggs, Jack.
He said longtime customers keep returning for the “old Florida” feel and the memories they’ve built there.
“Everyday I talk to a new customer that has a story from when they were here 20 years ago,” Scaggs told CBS12 News. “Whether it was rafting up 10 boats deep on the dock here, just having a good time and having some drinks. I hope to continue that!”
Even as it leans into its history, the restaurant is also looking ahead.
Renovations are underway on the side of the marina, known to locals as the “party side,” with plans to modernize while keeping the magic.
“It’ll have the same feel, we are going to put our shark, big bubba out there, hopefully with a new paint job,” Scaggs told CBS12 News.
Another piece of the restaurant’s history is also hiding in plain sight. Naughton said the red-looking sign outside with the words “Two Georges” on it is actually an external fuel tank from a World War II aircraft.
Another piece of the restaurant’s history is also hiding in plain sight. Janet Naughton said this red-looking sign outside with the words “Two Georges” on it is actually an external fuel tank from a World War II aircraft.