Right now the main central bar is the only thing left upstairs. We are putting in a new kitchen and replacing the little bar. Another reason places shut down is to give their employees a break. After the busy summer months full of tourists, many locals who work in the service industry want to relax and gear up for the next season. A lot of time we see locals that we would not see during the on season.
Some establishments brave the colder winter months and keep their doors open.
It is easy to see fewer tourists come through Destin in the winter. And some restaurants that have closed in the past stay open during the off-season. The ability to stay open in the winter is often closely linked to strong relationships with the locals. I think that in this market there are more families that come here than young people who go out to party. Last winter was the first Louisiana Lagniappe stayed open, said general manager Trey Horton.