Linda’s Crab Shack: Three Decades as a Local Landmark

By Cierra Craft

The only constant in the restaurant industry is change; change in trends, pricing, and availability of product. But for three decades, Plant City’s favorite seafood restaurant has remained a constant.

This month, Linda’s Crab Shack, at the corner of Palmer and Reynolds, is celebrating thirty years of serving shrimp, fish, and crab to hungry diners. Three decades ago, at that intersection, there was a Trailways bus stop, a Western Union and property owned by Ramon and Linda Garza. A friend talked the Garzas into opening the space as a seafood restaurant and since, Linda’s Crab Shack has served as Plant City’s taste of the sea.

The Garzas, with their son and the chef Steve, has seen generations of loyal customers dive into the restaurant’s famous Devil Crabs. That popularity is proven year after year when voters select the restaurant for “Best Seafood” during the annual Readers’ Choice Awards presented by FOCUS Magazine. In 2023, Steve was also nominated for Best Chef/Head Cook in the annual awards.

“Opening a seafood restaurant was a whole new adventure for us in 1993,” said Linda Garza.”I appreciate the customer who has supported our business for 30 years. In appreciation, we’re offering a special when you spend $30.00, not including tax or tip, you will get $5.00 off of your bill for dine-in only.”

Linda’s Crab Shack offers wine, imported and domestic beer, bottled beer and Corona. Buckets of bottled Bud Light and Corona (5 bottles per bucket) are offered for $12 and $15, respectively.

“This place is wonderful both the food and staff! My fiance and I were having our engagement photos done in Plant City and we stopped at Linda’s for a snack and beer before the photos. The staff was kind and informative and fun, the food was delish and the beer was cold!” said one customer about the local treasure.

Another added, “Doris was amazing, such a great waitress. She is a literal gem, she is so nice and I appreciated her service very much. I would gladly come here again for their amazing, quality, and delicious food. Definitely recommend for all people to enjoy!”

“Thank you for supporting our family-owned and operated restaurant for 30 years and we hope to see you for another thirty,” said Steve Garza.

Linda’s is open Monday to Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and until 9:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday nights. A few years ago, the restaurant renovated its patio, creating a perfect place to sit, enjoy a cold beer, and “get the crabs” at Linda’s Crab Shack.