Introduction to the Grouper Price Debate
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis recently sparked a debate about the price of a local grouper sandwich, suggesting that $32 is too much to pay. However, seafood professionals argue that the cost is justified due to various factors, including inflation, climate change, and the expense of fishing operations.
The Cost of Fishing Operations
Mike Lombardi, whose grandfather founded Winter Park’s Lombardi’s Seafood in 1961, explains that the cost of fishing operations is a significant factor in the price of grouper. "For local vessels fishing in local waters, it is very difficult to compete with imported grouper prices," he says. Lombardi notes that fishermen must pay for tackle, bait, fuel, and a Gulf reef permit, which can cost up to $30,000.
Sustainability and Catch Limits
Each year, the Fish and Wildlife Commission and NOAA Fisheries set limits for catch, a practice that commercial fishermen largely support. Lombardi says, "Sustainability is good… we all want fish to be there in the future." However, this means that fishermen must abide by the quota, and those who catch more than their allocation have an added expense.
The Price of Grouper
Lombardi’s Seafood sells fresh grouper for $23-25 a pound, while Mexican grouper can be bought for $18-20 a pound. Frozen grouper from Asia can be purchased for $10-12 a pound. The price of a grouper sandwich at local restaurants varies, with some establishments charging as little as $16 and others charging up to $29.95.
Restaurant Perspectives
Restaurateurs like Tim O’Leary, co-owner of Lighthouse Seafood, and Mike Smith, owner of The Current, explain that they try to find a balance between quality and price. O’Leary says, "It’s a lot of numbers," while Smith notes that he uses fresh-frozen grouper to keep costs down. Drew Weisner, co-owner and executive chef of The Imperial on Park, says that he sacrifices profit margins to keep his grouper sandwich priced at $28.
The Governor’s Perspective
Governor DeSantis’s comments about the price of grouper sandwiches have sparked a debate about the cost of seafood. However, Lombardi and other seafood professionals argue that the governor could do more to help fisheries by addressing the impact of recreational fishing allowances on commercial operations.
Conclusion
The price of a local grouper sandwich is a complex issue, influenced by factors such as inflation, climate change, and fishing operations. While Governor DeSantis may think $32 is too much to pay, seafood professionals argue that the cost is justified. As Lombardi says, "Governor, $32 is not too much for a local Florida grouper sandwich. If you want to support local fishermen, that’s what it costs."
FAQs
Q: Why is the price of grouper so high?
A: The price of grouper is influenced by factors such as inflation, climate change, and the expense of fishing operations.
Q: What is the average price of a grouper sandwich in local restaurants?
A: The price of a grouper sandwich varies, with some establishments charging as little as $16 and others charging up to $29.95.
Q: Do all restaurants use fresh, locally caught grouper?
A: No, some restaurants use frozen or imported grouper to keep costs down.
Q: Can I find grouper sandwiches at a lower price point?
A: Yes, some restaurants offer grouper sandwiches for as little as $16.
Q: What can be done to support local fishermen and reduce the price of grouper?
A: Addressing the impact of recreational fishing allowances on commercial operations could help reduce the price of grouper and support local fishermen.
A grilled grouper sandwich plate, currently priced at $29.95, is pictured at Lighthouse Seafood in Lake Mary. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
Reel Fish Coastal Kitchen + Bar gets its fresh red grouper from Florida’s Madeira Beach, where the current wholesale price is $24.50 a pound. The sandwich comes with fries and goes for $28. (Courtesy Reel Fish Coastal Kitchen + Bar)
Lombardi’s Seafood fresh-fish purchaser Carson Towle, left, and employee Colt Hughart hold whole red and black Gulf grouper, sourced from Steinhatchee at the fish market in Winter Park. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
The types of grouper Lighthouse Seafood uses in its sandwich vary depending on availability, says co-owner Tim O’Leary. All, from black to red to gag to yellowedge, make for very nice eating. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
High Tide Harry’s always shoots for fresh black grouper from the Gulf, generally imported from Mexico, which helps keep prices lower for customers. (Courtesy High Tide Harry’s)
Fried grouper is the No. 2 seller at The Current, which was recommended by several people online when a call for favorite grouper sandwiches went out on social media. (Courtesy The Current).
Chef Dave Cole holds a grilled grouper sandwich plate at Lighthouse Seafood in Lake Mary. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
At Lombardi’s Seafood, black Gulf grouper sourced from Louisiana sells for $34.98 a pound at the fish market in Winter Park. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
Lombardi’s Seafood fresh-fish purchaser Carson Towle cuts whole red Gulf grouper, sourced from Steinhatchee. Mike Lombardi says he can’t make his normal retail margins on grouper, king crab or snow crab. "I have to make them up elsewhere." Restaurants often employ similar strategies. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
Originally Published: July 9, 2025 at 5:00 AM EDT
If you go
The Current Seafood Counter: $16 for a fried grouper sandwich, with Old Bay fries. 2425 Edgewater Drive in Orlando; thecurrentseafoodcounter.com
High Tide Harry’s: $21.99 for a grouper sandwich, available broiled, fried, grilled or blackened with two regular or one premium side dish. Price will increase to $23.99 by the end of the month. 4645 S. Semoran Blvd. in Orlando, 407-273-4422; hightideharrys.com
The Imperial on Park: $28 for a fried grouper sandwich, with seasoned fries. 136 S. Park Ave. in Winter Park, 321-972-9294; imperialwinebar.com
Reel Fish Coastal Kitchen + Bar: $28 for a fried grouper sandwich, with fries. 1234 N. Orange Ave. in Winter Park, 407-543-3474; reelfishcoastal.com
Lighthouse Seafood: $29.95 for a grouper sandwich, available fried, flame-broiled, blackened or grilled, with cole slaw and choice of fries or hushpuppies. 101 N. Country Club Road in Lake Mary, 407-330-2425; lighthouse-seafood.com
