Ben's Tribute To Clearwater's Fabled Kapok Tree Restaurant

Kapok Tree Inn, Clearwater, Florida, 1957 - 1991

This web site is dedicated to the memory of the Kapok Tree Inn, and those who built, maintained, enjoyed, and preserve it.
Grand Ballroom and Balcony Dining Room
	The Concept  The Kapok Tree concept was a simple one: serve common food in an uncommon setting. And what a setting! The restaurant's massive dining rooms featured classical columns, imported statues, Victorian fountains, antique paintings, and sparkling chandeliers, all tastefully accented with vines and tropical plants. And, as if that were not enough, the whole restaurant was surrounded by fantastic formal gardens where guests could stroll with a drink before or after dinner.
Dinner at the Kapok Tree wasn't about the food, although the food was good. It was about the decor, the ambience, the completely over-the-top elegance of the place. When you brought someone to the Kapok Tree, you were saying, "You are special to me", but equally, "I enjoy the finer things in life."
The Story  The Kapok Tree opened in December 1957 near an already-popular tourist attraction, the huge kapok tree on the outskirts of Clearwater. The restaurant's popularity grew until four similar restaurants were opened across Florida. Then in 1988 the Kapok Tree unexpectedly filed for bankruptcy. All but the Clearwater restaurant closed, and it too succumbed in 1991. Today the complex lives on in the form of three distinct businesses.

Explore The Restaurant Entrance Mall, Red Lounge, Florida Room, Chandelier Room, Grand Ballroom, Patio Room, Gallery Room Stroll The Gardens North (Italian) Garden, East (Formal) Garden, South (Tropical) Garden, West (Kapok Tree) Garden

The Kapok Tree and Me Personal recollections Kapok Tree History From my research Going Back A guide for returning visitors The Kapok Tree Chain Including Baumgardner's and Peter Pan Inns Show and Tell Gallery Donations received from visitors Odds & Ends Credits, Tree Facts, Giftshop, Unsolved Mysteries

Yes, the fancy rooms, formal gardens, and the great tree are still there. Today the former Kapok Tree complex is home to three businesses that maintain and preserve the buildings and gardens. The management and staff of Sam Ash Music are generally tolerant of nostalgic tourists with cameras, Kapok Special Events less so. Please be respectful of their business needs. Oh, and you'll have to eat elsewhere. Musical instrument megastore Music instruction Weddings, proms, reunions 923 McMullen Booth Rd. Clearwater, FL   33759 If you live in the greater Tampa Bay area, please support the businesses that make their home at the former Kapok Tree.

"Country Dinners served beside Florida's Famous
Kapok Tree in the midst of exotic tropical gardens."

The menu choices were ham, fried chicken, fried shrimp or T-bone steak. All came with roasted potatoes, hush-puppies, green peas served family style and a lazy susan relish tray with creamy cole slaw and famous apple butter.

Open the Guest Book In 2005, when I couldn't find any web sites devoted to the Kapok Tree restaurant, I assembled this site myself using pictures from eBay. After much Internet research, and some eBay purchases, I upgraded the site in 2008. I hope to keep adding to it as new information comes to light. Please take a moment to share your Kapok memories, info, questions, or comments. My email is below, or just leave a note in the Guest Book. I'd love to hear from you! (spam-resistant, not clickable - please write it down)