Frenchy’s suffers ‘significant’ damage from Helene, closes nearly a dozen locations

Video above: Clearwater businesses cleaning up from sand a storm surge

CLEARWATER, Fla. (WFLA) — Frenchy’s, the beloved and popular fresh seafood restaurant in Clearwater, is on the road to recovery after many of its locations were devastated by Hurricane Helene.

The restaurant said Monday that despite its best efforts to prepare for the hurricane, several locations experienced “significant flooding” due to storm surge and more were, or are still, without power.

“We prepared as best as we could, but unfortunately, we will need to replace floors, walls, equipment, etc. in the majority of our buildings. In addition to our businesses having physical damage, many of our employees are now finding themselves without homes and/or jobs,” the restaurant said in a Facebook post. “We’re doing our best to help with clean up and providing work, but nothing we do can truly replace everything they’ve lost.”

As Frenchy’s begins renovations to the damaged locations, the restaurant said there are still ways to help, especially when it comes to their employees.

How you can help

Frenchy’s said they will be accepting donations.

“Everything collected will be organized and distributed directly to our staff who have been affected by Helene (no donation is too big or too small!). We appreciate your kindness during this time and patience while visiting our locations we are lucky enough to have open,” the restaurant wrote.

Donations can be dropped off at Frenchy’s/Clear Sky Hurricane Relief located at 436 E Shore Drive in Clearwater Beach.

What locations are closed?

The following locations will be closed until further notice:

• Frenchy’s Original Cafe
• Frenchy’s Saltwater Cafe
• Frenchy’s South Beach Cafe
• Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill
• Frenchy’s Seafood Company
• Frenchy’s Oasis Motel
• Frenchy’s Off the Hook Gift Shop
• Clearwater Beach Paddleboard & Rental Co.
• North Beach Water Sports
• Clear Sky Beachside Cafe
• North Beach Wine & Spirits

What locations are open?

Anyone who would like to support Frenchy’s employees can visit the following restaurants:

• Frenchy’s Stone Crab and Seafood Market
• Clear Sky Draught Haus
• Clear Sky Club Haus
• Clear Sky on Cleveland
• Clear Sky on Park

Frenchy’s Outpost Bar & Grill will reopen when power is restored, the restaurant said.

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