The Sand Dune Café Jensen Beach, a beloved beachfront restaurant on the Treasure Coast, has been demolished following a devastating fire that occurred on New Year’s Day. This iconic Jensen Beach establishment, which stood for over 40 years, was a popular destination for locals and visitors alike.
Sand Dune Café Jensen Beach Destroyed in New Year’s Day Fire
The fire that engulfed the Sand Dune Café Jensen Beach led to significant damage, resulting in a decision to demolish the building. Martin County officials confirmed plans to rebuild a new café at the same location, with an estimated cost of approximately $4 million.
Martin County Commissioner Eileen Vargas shared her thoughts on the loss and future plans, stating, “While we bid farewell to a local treasure filled with decades of memories, we are incredibly excited about what’s to come. A brand new, bright and sunny café will soon rise in its place — bringing a fresh new energy to the heart of Jensen Beach.”
New Beachfront Café Planned for Jensen Beach Location
Although the Sand Dune Café Jensen Beach will not return under its original name, a new establishment will soon occupy the prime beachfront spot. County officials have yet to announce the new café’s official name, but construction is expected to begin shortly, revitalizing the area with updated amenities and a fresh dining experience.
Estimated Cost and Timeline for New Café
The replacement café is projected to cost around $4 million, reflecting significant investment in the Jensen Beach community. Details regarding the construction timeline and expected opening date are forthcoming, with local residents eagerly awaiting updates.
Alternative Beachfront Restaurants on the Treasure Coast
In the meantime, residents and visitors searching for “beachfront restaurants near me” can explore several other popular spots along the Treasure Coast. Here are four recommended alternatives:
Seaside Grill, Vero Beach
Located at Jaycee Park, Seaside Grill at 4200 Ocean Drive offers breakfast and lunch. Menu highlights include grouper bites, coconut shrimp, chicken wings, and classic burgers.
Seaside Café, Stuart
Seaside Café at 891 N.E. Ocean Blvd. in Stuart Beach serves breakfast, lunch, bar bites, and alcoholic beverages. Popular dishes include Bahamian conch fritters, smoked mahi fish dip, and beignets.
Island Beach Bar & Restaurant, Fort Pierce
Located in Jetty Park at 110 S. Ocean Drive, the Island Beach Bar & Restaurant offers sandwiches, pizzas, and Florida seafood specialties such as Floribbean poke, lobster and shrimp pizza, peel-and-eat shrimp, and conch fritters. This area has recently raised concerns due to a fire incident at a nearby cemetery.
Surfside Grill and Adventures, Melbourne Beach
Situated at Sebastian Inlet State Park at 9502 S. Highway A1A, Surfside Grill and Adventures provides handheld favorites like burgers, hotdogs, wraps, grilled cheese sandwiches, and seafood options including mahi tacos, fish and chips, and fried clams.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sand Dune Café Jensen Beach
What happened to Sand Dune Café Jensen Beach?
Sand Dune Café Jensen Beach was destroyed by a fire on New Year’s Day. The building was demolished afterward, and plans are underway to construct a new café at the same location. The cause of the wildfire is still under investigation.
How much will the new Jensen Beach café cost?
The new café planned to replace Sand Dune Café Jensen Beach is expected to cost around $4 million. The investment aims to bring a modern dining experience to the beachfront.
Are there other beachfront restaurants near Jensen Beach?
Yes, several beachfront restaurants are located near Jensen Beach, including Seaside Grill in Vero Beach, Seaside Café in Stuart, Island Beach Bar & Restaurant in Fort Pierce, and Surfside Grill and Adventures near Sebastian Inlet.
Can you still visit Sand Dune Café Jensen Beach?
No, the original Sand Dune Café Jensen Beach has been demolished following the fire. However, a new café will soon be built on the same site, offering a fresh dining option. The tragic event was reminiscent of the fatal accidental fire at a Port St. Lucie gathering.
Where are other popular beachfront dining spots on the Treasure Coast?
Popular beachfront dining spots on the Treasure Coast include Seaside Grill in Vero Beach, Seaside Café in Stuart, Island Beach Bar & Restaurant in Fort Pierce, and Surfside Grill and Adventures in Melbourne Beach.
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