Hernando Beach Restaurant and Country Store Finds Resilience

Silver Dolphin Restaurant and Country Store of Hernando County

Nestled between the ocean and canal, Silver Dolphin Restaurant and Country Store, a Hernando Beach destination for locals and tourists alike. With a unique main dining area known as the Secret Garden—a lush outdoor space with nearly 100 seats—guests can enjoy fresh food while surrounded by wildlife and the natural beauty of the Gulf coast.

The business was born from, owner, Yann Milcendeau’s appreciation for the area’s abundant parks and recreational opportunities. “With the ocean being right next to us and all the things you can do around here… it’s an absolute playground for anybody who wants to go on vacation,” Milcendeau said.

When challenges struck, the Florida SBDC at USF and senior business consultant Bill Burnham were there to help. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the business received critical assistance securing a Florida Emergency Bridge Loan, which allowed them to continue paying employees and complete renovations while closed. “The SBDC was instrumental in us surviving COVID,” Milcendeau shared. “The Florida SBDC actually saved us. Some businesses have never reopened because they had no cash up front, nothing that they could get on short notice. We did it and because of that we’re open today and we still employ our 32 employees at the Silver Dolphin,” he added.

Disaster struck again when a hurricane caused substantial flooding. “When the storm first hit you think that there is no hope – it’s over, you look at your property and you can’t believe what you’re looking at compared to what you had before, but we took the time to rebuild,” Milcendeau said. Once again, Burnham assisted in securing both a bridge loan and an SBA disaster loan, providing the funds needed to reopen.

“I want to thank the Florida SBDC at USF for all they’ve done for us, I really believe that they’re the greatest reason we’re still here because of the bridge loans and the money that we received as a loan to reopen so quickly. Most of all I want to thank Bill, he was instrumental in taking the application and making it easy for us,” Milcendeau said.

Today, the restaurant and store continue to thrive, welcoming families and friends to gather over food and enjoy the scenery of Hernando Beach. “Here at Hernando Beach, we’re all in business still. We’re all open and we’re better than before. We have come back to be more attractive to all the tourists, all the people that want to come and visit us,” Milcendeau said.

Thanks to resilience, community support, and guidance from the Florida SBDC at USF, this small business is stronger than ever.