After Buying This Restaurant: McNabs Dockside

Keith Simpson on Buy This Restaurant

Leaving behind pasts in Washington, D.C., Tim and Jennifer moved south to Fort Lauderdale and soon set their sights on business ownership. Although Tim has vast experience in the food industry, he and Jennifer needed guidance when it came to finding a location to launch an Irish pub, so they looked to Keith Simpson and Buy This Restaurant. Together they scoured several potential hot spots before selecting a waterfront restaurant with both dock and road access.

FN Dish checked in with Tim soon after filming to find out how his brand-new business, now named McNabs Dockside, is progressing. Read on below to hear from Tim for the exclusive first update on McNabs.

How is construction going at McNabs Dockside? In what stage is the renovation, and when do you plan to open?

Construction is going great. We are approaching the final stage. We anticipate opening in May.

What was the most-influential factor in you choosing the Dockside Location over The Hog BBQ and Stargate Bar & Grill?

The waterside

What have been your greatest struggles and greatest successes as you work to open McNabs Dockside?

The greatest struggle has been overcoming the obstacles that a 60-year-old building can throw you. The greatest success has been seeing the vision come together one step at a time.

Tell us about your menu. What will be some of your signature dishes, and how will you incorporate the Irish theme?

The menu is split into two sides. We have our pub side and our waterfront side. On the pub side we will have favorites such as shepherd's pie, bangers and mash, fish and chips. This is how we are incorporating the Irish theme into the menu. On the waterfront side we will be able to take advantage of the wonderful fresh fish that practically comes to our door. We will also offer wonderful pastas and steaks.

Tim, so far has the process of owning your own restaurant been everything you'd hoped and expected it would be?

Yes, it has been everything I have hoped for. There have been a lot of ups and downs, but I have a great support system and can't wait to open our doors.

What are you most looking forward to in the future of McNabs Dockside?

We are most looking forward to being a solid place within the community. Also, it will be nice to stand back and look at what we have built.