Dolly Parton Sets Sail For Florida With New Pirate-Themed Restaurant

Elta Ritchie 17 May 2025

Hey there, friends! If you're a fan of Dolly Parton, get ready for some exciting news. Dolly, the legendary singer and businesswoman behind hits like "9 to 5," is about to expand her empire. She's announced plans to open a brand-new restaurant in Panama City Beach, Florida. This isn’t just any restaurant—it’s a pirate-themed adventure waiting to happen!

Dolly Parton’s Big Plans for Florida

In a statement released on Thursday, December 14, Dolly, now 77, shared her enthusiasm for the upcoming project. “I’m so thrilled to bring this amazing show to such a fantastic destination,” she said. “With pirates, mermaids, thrilling acrobatics, jaw-dropping pyrotechnics, and even a few songs that I’ve written, it’s a show that’s perfect for all ages. Whether you're a kid at heart or a parent looking for a family-friendly outing, this is going to be unforgettable!”

Setting Sail in Spring 2025

Mark your calendars, folks! The interactive restaurant, set to open in the spring of 2025, will be the third branch of Dolly’s pirate-themed chain in the U.S. The other two locations are already making waves in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Dolly’s vision doesn’t stop at just serving food—it’s about creating an entire experience. “I’ve always dreamed big, and this time, we’re going all out,” she explained. “We’re meticulously planning every detail, from the spectacular show to the four-course pirate feast, even the exterior of the building itself. We’re breaking ground in January, so things are moving fast!”

Why Panama City Beach is Thrilled

It’s not just Dolly who’s excited. The folks in Panama City Beach are over the moon about the new addition to their city. Mayor Mark Sheldon expressed his admiration for Dolly, calling her a “legend” and an “icon.” “There’s no one who cares more about community than Dolly herself,” he said. “Throughout this process, it’s been incredible to collaborate with someone who truly wants to invest in our city and make this a cornerstone business model for Panama City Beach.”

But what exactly can visitors expect when they step into this pirate-themed wonderland? According to the Pirates Voyage Dinner and Show’s official website, it’s an “incredible adventure as our crews battle on land, on deck, in water, and high above full-sized pirate ships in a 15-foot deep indoor lagoon!” Sounds like a blast, doesn’t it?

Dolly Parton performs at stadium in a silver blazer and orange pants — Eakin Howard/Getty Images

What’s on the Menu?

At the existing locations in Myrtle Beach and Pigeon Forge, the menu features a variety of mouthwatering dishes, including biscuits—a personal favorite of Dolly’s. “Everybody makes biscuits, but how many people make buttermilk biscuits unless you're really from the South?” she shared in a January interview with Eater. “I love eating gravy and biscuits at least once a week for breakfast, with sausage or whatever. And with the same pan, I’ll get a biscuit and put apple butter or jam or jelly on there. Whatever looks good. There’s no bad way to eat a biscuit!”

And if that wasn’t enough excitement for fans, Dolly recently stole the show wearing a Dallas Cowboys cheerleader uniform during an NFL halftime performance at AT&T Stadium. Truly, there’s no stopping this powerhouse when it comes to her iconic performances and business ventures!