Bud & Alley’s Waterfront Restaurant Celebrates 40 Years On 30A

Seaside landmark marks milestone; spring celebration to be announced

SEASIDE, FLA (Jan. 26, 2026) — Bud & Alley’s Waterfront Restaurant, the iconic Gulf-front gathering place known for its legendary sunset celebrations, marked its 40th anniversary by gathering its entire staff for a celebratory toast on the rooftop deck, honoring four decades as a cornerstone of Seaside and Scenic Highway 30A.

Founded by Dave Rauschkolb and Scott Witcoski, two 24-year-old surfing buddies, few could have imagined that a restaurant opened in a town with just a dozen houses would establish such an enduring legacy. In keeping with the founders’ light-hearted spirit, Witcoski named the restaurant Bud & Alley’s after his cat, Alley, and Seaside founder Robert Davis’ dachshund, Bud. The restaurant welcomed guests for its first dinner on Jan. 20, 1986, setting the tone for what would become a beloved gathering place along Scenic Highway 30A.

As Seaside has grown, so has Bud & Alley’s, evolving thoughtfully while staying true to its roots. What began as a simple restaurant overlooking the Gulf quickly became a defining part of the community — a place where locals and visitors gathered over fresh seafood, good conversation and a shared appreciation for sunset. Over time, Bud & Alley’s helped pioneer the farm- and sea-to-table movement along 30A, shaping the region’s culinary identity while remaining deeply rooted in its original spirit.

Today, the Taco Bar and The Pizza Bar operate under the same roof as the original Bud & Alley’s, reinforcing the restaurant’s role as a central gathering place in Seaside. Together, the concepts offer guests multiple dining experiences anchored by the same relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.

“As Seaside has grown over the years, it’s truly enhanced Northwest Florida in so many ways,” said Rauschkolb, founder and owner. “It’s been wonderful to be able to play a role in everything that’s happened up to this point. And I couldn’t be more excited than I am about all the new changes, all the new things, and the transformation that’s happened over all these years.”

Rauschkolb also reflected on the people who made the milestone possible. “I’m incredibly grateful to our dedicated staff, past and present, whose talent and commitment define this place every day. I’m thankful to my founding partner, Scott, to my wife, Carol, and our daughters for their constant support, and especially to the generations of loyal patrons who have gathered here with their families — and now their grandchildren. Bud & Alley’s has always been about good food, good people and times.”

Beyond daily dining, Bud & Alley’s has long served as a hub for community traditions and charitable gatherings, hosting annual events such as the Seeing Red Wine Dinner, New Year’s Eve Celebration, Bacon, Bourbon, Brews & Cigars, Cinco de Mayo festivities, the Harvest Moon Celebration benefiting the Point Washington Medical Clinic, and performances during the 30A Songwriters Festival — many supporting local nonprofits and cultural causes.

Over the years, Bud & Alley’s has been recognized with numerous awards and accolades, including Florida Trend magazine’s Golden Spoon Hall of Fame Award; designation as one of the Top 20 Restaurants in Florida; Coastal Living magazine’s Best Rooftop Bars; Emerald Coast Magazine’s Best Place to See the Sunset; and Visit South Walton’s Perfect in South Walton Awards for Best Seafood Menu and Best Sunset View, among others. In 2024, Bud & Alley’s was named to Southern Living’s “17 Most Legendary Restaurants in Florida” list.

A public 40th anniversary celebration is planned for spring 2026, with details to be announced.

Bud & Alley’s Waterfront Restaurant is open daily for lunch and dinner, with breakfast offered seasonally. For more information on Bud & Alley’s Waterfront Restaurant, call (850) 231-5900 or visit budandalleys.com.

ABOUT BUD & ALLEY’S RESTAURANT GROUP

Founded in 1986 in Seaside, Florida, Bud & Alley’s Waterfront Restaurant, owned and operated by local Dave Rauschkolb, operates with one simple mantra: Good Food. Good People. Good Times. A pioneer of the farm- and sea-to-table movement, Bud & Alley’s is known for serving award-winning menus with the freshest regional seafood and its daily sunset celebrations. Known for its quality food and exceptional service, Bud & Alley’s is a Top 20 Florida Restaurant and a Florida Trend magazine’s Golden Spoon Hall of Fame award winner. The Bud & Alley’s Restaurant Group includes Bud & Alley’s Waterfront Restaurant, The Taco Bar, The Pizza Bar, Black Bear Bread Company and the Bud & Alley’s Catering Company.