In the early 1900’s Panama City Beach was incorporated although it existed several years before. Panama City Beach officially opened on May 2, 1936. It received its name because it was theoretically the nearest American port to the newly opened “Panama Canal”.

In the early 30’s people had only used dirt for harvesting crops. No one
saw any future in what they called, “the ugly white sand” .Gideon Thomas was interested in developing the land for he foresaw more than his critics. Many tried to convince Thomas that his efforts were futile and that he could never grow anything edible in the area he was dedicating so much into. Thomas simply responded, “I’m not attempting to grow vegetables here; I’m going to grow people”

On May 13, 1937 Gideon Thomas passed away from overworking himself. It is safe to say he accomplished his goal. Now anyone who visits farmer Thomas’s garden on any summer day can see he indeed produced a “bumper to bumper” crop. In 1953 state officials commemorated his contributions to Panama City Beach naming the street Pineapple Willy’s sits beside THOMAS DRIVE.

In 1984 the existing name Pier 99 Lounge was changed to PineappleWilly’s. William, the owner, and one of his two sons suggested the name after the introduction of the signature pineapple rum drink now known as “The Pineapple Willy”. The symbol for hospitality is the “Pineapple” which fits just right.

In October 1995 hurricane Opal devastated Panama City Beach.
Pineapple Willy’s suffered a 45% loss of its building. The aftermath of the storm, however proved a positive for Panama City Beach, with the modernization of many older buildings and room for new structures.

In 2004, the face of Panama City Beach has under went a massive
makeover with thirty-seven new high rise condos under construction and three new restaurants built. However this was also joined with a selloutof many historic restaurants to make room for these giant high-rises. Pineapple Willy’s has resisted this temptation, so people will see it for many more years to come, as the owners like what they do and our
employees and customers love us also.

Current Pineapple Willy's 2008