Salty Pelican Fish Shack Brings Old Florida Seafood to Hobe Sound

The new restaurant pays homage to the building's 70-year history as a beloved catfish house.

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

The Salty Pelican Fish Shack has opened in Hobe Sound, Florida, taking over a 70-year-old building that was previously home to the iconic Catfish House. The new owners, known as the "Salty Sisters", have remodeled the space with a bright seaside vibe and kept some of the Catfish House's most popular menu items, like the bone-in "little ones" catfish. The restaurant serves a variety of seafood dishes and daily specials, and features live music on the covered outdoor patio during special events.

Why it matters

The Salty Pelican Fish Shack's opening marks the revival of an iconic Hobe Sound dining destination that had been a local favorite for decades. By preserving elements of the previous Catfish House while adding their own modern touches, the new owners are aiming to appeal to both longtime residents and new visitors looking for an authentic Old Florida seafood experience.

The details

The Salty Sisters, identified as Barbara Love and Terri Samperi, have remodeled the 70-year-old building that previously housed the Catfish House. They've kept some of the Catfish House's most popular menu items, like the bone-in "little ones" catfish, while adding an array of other seafood dishes and daily specials. The restaurant features a bright, seaside-inspired decor with blue, white, and beige walls, fishing nets hanging from the ceiling, and nautical rope wrapped around the pillars. There is also a covered outdoor patio where live music is performed during special events.

  • The Salty Pelican Fish Shack opened in February 2026.

The players

Barbara Love

One of the co-owners of the Salty Pelican Fish Shack, known as the "Salty Sisters".

Terri Samperi

One of the co-owners of the Salty Pelican Fish Shack, known as the "Salty Sisters".

Bud Johnson

Ran Johnson's Catfish House for about 30 years before the building was taken over by other owners.

John Smith

Ran John's Catfish Restaurant for about 10 years after Bud Johnson's tenure.

Greg and Loretta Nocenti

Ran the Catfish House for 25.5 years before retiring in 2023.

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The takeaway

The Salty Pelican Fish Shack's opening represents the revival of an iconic Hobe Sound dining destination, as the new owners have preserved elements of the previous Catfish House while adding their own modern touches to appeal to both longtime residents and new visitors seeking an authentic Old Florida seafood experience.