North Beach Social creates an atmosphere of success for teens

By Wendy O. Dixon

Debbie Flynn got her start in the restaurant business, first as a hostess at 16 years old, which she loved. She has worked in other industries over the years but has always come back to her passion — the hospitality industry. She has worked for nationally recognized restaurateur Chef Jim Shirley since May of 2015 when she started as a server at the Great Southern Café in Seaside, Fla. She quickly moved to management in July of the same year. She moved to The Bay restaurant in 2018 for two years. Now, Debbie is general manager of North Beach of South Walton, which includes North Beach Social and Farm & Fire.

A fast-casual restaurant, North Beach opened March 6, 2021. Debbie immediately took advantage of the gorgeous location by adding beach seating with umbrellas.

“How can you not have beach seating out here?” she says, pointing to the various seating spots with perfect views overlooking the Choctawhatchee Bay and the Highway 331 bridge.

“The walk-up service lets us serve a high volume of people, many who stay for hours for the live music. We added a play area for kids so they can enjoy the beach toys while their parents can relax and enjoy their day.”

As the visionary of the restaurant, Debbie’s plan was to make North Beach Social a place she’d want to hang out. “Live music, great food, drinks, Hawaiian shirts, that’s what I had in mind,” she adds.

An important part of North Beach Social’s success is attributed to how employees and guests are both treated like family and friends.

“We mentor the younger staff members in all aspects of life,” Debbie says. “Teamwork is the most important. We try to inspire all employees to be better.

The company hires people from many walks of life, teaching them new skills and how to give great customer service. We offer opportunities for growth, and many of the employees are cross trained into other positions within the company, including management.”

The teen staffers, many who drive a short commute from Freeport, love the job, Debbie says. “They work hard, have a good time and make money.”

North Beach Social is open daily with an open-air beach bar that’s dog friendly and has live music almost every day. 

Learn more about North Beach Social at the foot of the HWY 331 Bridge on their website, https://www.northbeach.social