During it’s heyday, from the 60s through the 80s, the Kapok Tree Inn in Clearwater was one of the most over-the-top restaurants in the country.
Named after a kapok tree sapling that was brought over from India, in the 1870s, the land was later purchased Richard B. Baumgardner, who decided to transform the grove into an ambitious destination restaurant, which opened in 1958.
Eventually there were a few different locations, but the Clearwater one was by far the most extravagant of them all, and featured a world-renown garden, Renaissance-inspired architecture, impressive waterfalls, beautiful chandeliers, and twelve different themed dining rooms.
In 1988, the Chicago Sun-Times called the Clearwater Kapok Tree Inn the number 15 restaurant in the country, with sales of $10 million.
Despite being a massive success, the Kapok Tree Inn closed in 1991, but elements of it have been preserved and can still be seen at the Sam Ash Music Store, and the Kapok Special Events Center & Gardens, which now occupy the space.
All photos via Florida State Archives
Kapok Tree Inn restaurant at 923 McMullen Booth Rd. in Clearwater, Florida.Entrance foyer at the Kapok Tree Inn restaurant in Clearwater.Fountain at the Kapok Tree Inn in Clearwater.Gardens at Kapok Tree Inn.Kapok Tree Inn’s East Garden – Clearwater, FloridaThe gallery dining room at the Kapok Tree Inn restaurant in Clearwater.A fountain at Kapok Tree Inn.Emerald lounge at the Kapok Tree Inn.The Florida room at the Kapok Tree Inn.Diners at the Kapok Tree Inn.Garden wall at the Kapok Tree Inn.Patio room at the Kapok Tree Inn.The Grand ballroom at the Kapok Tree InnThe Exotic Kapok Tree Inn.One of the dining rooms at Kapok Tree InnBeautifully sculptured fountains at the Kapok Tree Inn restaurant – Clearwater, FloridaThe exotic Italian Gardens – the Kapok Tree InnEntrance foyer at the Kapok Tree Inn restaurant in Clearwater.Tree at Kapok Tree Inn – Clearwater, FloridaStatues and fountains at Kapok Tree restaurant – Clearwater, FloridaInterior view of the Kapok Tree Inn restaurant on N. Haines Rd. in Clearwater.Kapok Tree Inn’s Grape Bar – Clearwater, FloridaRed Velvet Lounge at The Kapok Tree Inn – Clearwater, FloridaVisitors at the Kapok Tree Inn’s “Rajah Lounge” in Clearwater.Visitors enjoy The Grand Ballroom in The Kapok Tree Inn – Clearwater, FloridaInterior view of the Kapok Tree Inn restaurant on N. Haines Rd. in Clearwater.Interior view of the Kapok Tree Inn restaurant at 923 McMullen Booth Rd. in Clearwater, Florida.Kapok Tree Inn’s Chandelier Room – Clearwater, Florida15th century Renaissance inspired fountain
