Willy’s Burgers & Booze Is Making a Comeback on St. Pete Beach After Two Years

After two years of uncertainty, storm damage, and a lengthy rebuilding process, a longtime St. Pete Beach favorite is finally getting its second chance. Willy’s Burgers & Booze is officially moving forward with plans to reopen, bringing hope to locals who have missed the neighborhood hangout since Hurricanes Helene and Milton devastated the property in 2024.

Located at 645 Corey Avenue in St. Pete Beach, Willy’s was known for its oversized burgers, affordable drinks, and laid-back atmosphere that made it a favorite among beach residents and visitors. The restaurant recently announced that construction is beginning after approximately 14 months of navigating permits, delays, and other challenges. While an official reopening date has not been announced, the return of this local institution is finally becoming a reality.

A St. Pete Beach Favorite Refuses to Disappear

When Hurricane Helene slammed Florida’s Gulf Coast in September 2024, Willy’s was among the many beach businesses left devastated by severe storm surge. Hurricane Milton followed less than two weeks later, adding to the destruction and leaving the restaurant closed indefinitely. For a business that had been part of the community since the early 2000s, the loss extended far beyond its building.

Willy’s originally opened under local restaurateur Mike Anderson, who transformed a former hot dog stand into a popular neighborhood gathering place. Stephen Molloy purchased the restaurant in 2019 and embraced the responsibility of preserving everything customers loved about it. From its unmistakable beach-bar personality to its familiar menu, Willy’s was never about being fancy. That was exactly the appeal.

Following the hurricanes, Molloy organized a fundraiser to support employees who suddenly found themselves without work, including some who had also lost their homes and belongings. The effort raised more than $20,000 for staff members, demonstrating the connection between the restaurant and its community.

The rebuilding effort has also carried a deeply personal meaning for property owners Charles and Helen Collom. Both remained committed to restoring Willy’s despite the obstacles. Charles passed away during the closure, but Helen has continued pursuing their shared goal of bringing the restaurant back to St. Pete Beach.

Same Burgers, Same Beach Vibes, a Long-Awaited Return

For longtime customers wondering whether the new Willy’s will resemble the original, the plan is to preserve the character that made it a St. Pete Beach staple. The rebuilding effort aims to retain the restaurant’s familiar colors, casual atmosphere, and signature food and drink offerings. That includes the legendary Big Gooey, a massive 10-ounce cheeseburger loaded with lettuce, tomato, and onion. Before closing, Willy’s also served sandwiches, seafood, hot dogs, salads, and rotating comfort-food specials. Its inexpensive happy-hour drinks and late-night atmosphere made it the kind of place where regulars and first-time visitors could feel equally at home.

Construction is an important milestone, but there's still work ahead before the restaurant can welcome customers again. As of October 26th 2026, no official reopening date has been announced. The business plans to share updates as the project progresses. For St. Pete Beach, Willy’s comeback represents more than another restaurant reopening. After two years of hurricane recovery and the permanent loss of other familiar businesses, seeing a longtime local favorite fight its way back is welcome news.

And for everyone who has been missing a Big Gooey and a cold drink on Corey Avenue, there's finally something worth looking forward to.