Stuffed alligators and kitschy signs adorn the walls in a Florida Everglades lodge atmosphere reminiscent of a woodsy, rustic and spacious log cabin. Waiters and waitress, called Everglades Guides, wear shorts and bright shirts, and serve tasty delicacies like alligator tail and handmade coconut shrimp. R.J. Gator's is all about good times and good food in a festive family-friendly atmosphere that makes you feel like you're embarking on an Everglades adventure. All that's missing are the air boats and the mangroves. Since opening with one location on Indiantown Road in 1986, Jupiter-based R.J. Gator's has built its reputation on providing guests with a varied selection of Florida-style menu items amid a captivating everglades-themed ambiance. Tim Timoteo, who founded R.J. Gator's with his late wife Joan, had owned R.J. Gator's Restaurant and operated Mr. Angus Steak & Seafood, a successful chain in Pennsylvania, before they sold it and relocated to Florida. Timoteo was interested in starting another restaurant, so he intently searched for a niche - the type of place that would stand out from the crowd. After traveling around the state, Timoteo realized that most restaurants catered to tourists, rather than to locals who lived in the respective communities. This led the ambitious entrepreneur to create a place where locals could savor tasty pub food amid a rustic everglades lodge theme, where the real Florida springs to life. There are two stories behind the name of the restaurant. Initially, the "R.J." portion of the name was conceived by taking Timoteo's first initial (his birth name is Reginald) and the first initial of his late wife, Joan. Then, as the restaurant opened, Timoteo hatched an idea for a rockin' and jammin' gator as the restaurant's logo and mascot.
Parking: Street
Parking: Parking on Site
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