Storms force noted Clearwater restaurant to close after 51 years

Capogna’s Dugout, a Clearwater family owned restaurant and destination for more than half a century, has closed, citing the effects of Hurricanes Milton and Helene as well as the economy.

The family of the sports-themed restaurant announced the news in a statement on its Facebook page Sunday evening saying that “we have taken a hit we cannot recover from.”

“What an honor it’s been to be the place people have chosen to celebrate their best moments, their worst moments, and all the moments in between.”

The family did not give specifics in the statement on how the storms or the economy affected the business, but it is far from alone in facing difficulties because of all the outside factors.

Al Capogna opened Capogna’s, which has operated out of a small shopping center on Clearwater Gulf to Bay Boulevard, in March 1973.

For 51 years, it was the site for post game celebrations for Little League to beer league softball teams. It was also a mainstay for families and a hang out for students from nearby Clearwater High School.

Art Capogna died in 1994 and the family has continued to run the restaurant.

Less than two hours after the family posted the news Sunday evening, more than 800 people had commented, expressing dismay and sharing memories.

One woman posted a memory of going there after her 1980 wedding and having a waitress pay for their meal. Others spoke of going after football games and being taken for pizza by their parents.