HM Restaurant Groupto Sponsor Tournament

HM Restaurant Group will become the title sponsor of the annual “Ding” Darling Tarpon Tournament beginning in 2027, continuing its longstanding sup- port for conservation at the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge.

The company manages Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille restaurants, which served as the tournament’s title sponsor for 14 years. During that time, the event raised more than $2 million for conserva- tion efforts.

According to HM Restaurant Group, the sponsorship change follows litigation brought by Doc Ford’s trademark owner Randy Wayne White seeking to prevent use of the name in connection with the tournament.

The 15th annual tournament will take place in May 2027.

HM Restaurant Group manages restaurants in Southwest Florida and St. Petersburg known for fresh seafood, inno- vative menus and welcoming atmospheres.

Visit HMRestaurantGroup.com, for more information.