The Kapok Tree Inn

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

Clearwater's Kapok Tree restaurant was known more for its lavish decor than its menu. At its height the sprawling complex could serve 4,000 guests daily in twelve dining rooms and lounges. It was an international tourist destination, complete with souvenirs and gift shops.

Kapok Tree Inn, Clearwater, Florida, 1958 - 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 dr, 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 1958 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 as three different businesses.

The 1960's-era Kapok Tree logo

Step Back In Time - Take The Walking Tour
(Click a photo below to enter)

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

Special Features and Exhibits


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 great tree itself are all 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.

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 Kapok Tree.

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

I've been waiting an hour! Let's eat!
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 you can just leave a note in the Guest Book. I'd sure like to hear from you!
Not clickable - please write it down

Thank you for visiting!
We hope you enjoyed our tribute to Clearwater's Kapok Tree Inn.