About Us

Duffy's began its humble beginnings back in 1958 when Claude "Duffy" Whiteman leased the two-story cracker shack across the street from the Manatee Public Beach. Whiteman was a trumpet player from the big band era and named the place after the popular NBC radio programme: "Duffy's Tavern." When he opened the doors on the first day, this landmark establishment began selling mugs of beer for the first time. Also new to the menu were soups and sandwiches. 

In 1971, Pat "Miss Duffy" Geyer purchased the business from Whiteman and took over the lease of the building. Miss Duffy claims she bought the business to keep her five daughters off the streets and out of trouble. This strategy has proven quite successful. There have been a succession of the Geyer daughters working behind the bar and the grill since Miss Duffy took over in June of 1971. To this day, all five [Patti, Pam, Peggi, Penni and Polli] are employed by Miss Duffy - who keeps a watchful eye over how the coldest beers and best burgers are served.

In May of 2002, Duffy's Tavern lost their lease and began searching for a new place to call home. It took nine months for Duffy's to locate, purchase, remodel and open its doors in what was formerly known as the Island Body Shop in Holmes Beach. To the delight of hundreds in March of 2003, Duffy's opened their doors at their new place located across the street from the Holmes Beach City Hall and Skatepark. You can still expect the same service and same quality in both the beers and the burgers, however at their new place they have air conditioning and a fireplace. So when it gets hot or cold, you can be assured Duffy's Tavern is a great place to be.