This Treasure Coast staple is closing after 72 years

A Treasure Coast restaurant that has been operating for decades announced its closing in October.

Harry and the Natives in Martin County has been serving people for more than 70 years, according to owner Harry MacArthur . Customers told WPTV the charming restaurant was a popular location to take guests.

With funky sculptures and a plethora of signs, American food was served within a tiki hut along Federal Highway in Hobe Sound.

"It just yells Florida," said customer Henry Paluszek. "You can’t beat it. It's just good, all-American food in an old Florida atmosphere."

MacArthur said the restaurant faced a decrease in attendance after the COVID-19 pandemic, as food and labor costs increased.

"Those numbers don't work because the food prices got higher, labor got higher, everything's gone up, and we don't have it anymore," he said.

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Harry and the Natives

MacArthur said he's received texts and phone calls from various people sharing their disappointment with the decision. He also said U.S. Rep. Brian Mast, R-Fla., and conservative commentator Dan Bongino offered to host fundraisers for the restaurant.

People on social media pontificated the restaurant struggled due to MacArthur's political stance, making some customers feel uncomfortable.

WPTV reporter Ethan Stein saw a cardboard cutout of the owner with Mast watching over tables, along with other political paraphernalia showing support for Republicans like Gov. Ron DeSantis and messages against Democrats like President Joe Biden.

MacArthur said the amount of political materials "possibly" made customers feel uncomfortable but said he was trying to encourage debate.

"Now we take everything away in this country," MacArthur said. "If people don't have an opinion. What type of man is he? You know what, that's pretty much a spineless person, and who wants to be a spineless person? That’s a snake."

In a Facebook post, MacArthur said the restaurant would be closing Oct. 12, "unless something happens."