In memory of Hugh Ganter, aka “Papa Hughie”
By Haley Dockendorff
Papa’s Raw Bar and Seafood World has been a locals’ favorite spot, serving up the best fresh seafood and island inspired flavors. But their story begins long before the day they opened.
The heart, soul, and inspiration behind Papa’s Raw Bar and Seafood World was Hugh Ganter, also known as Papa Hughie, who sadly passed away on Oct. 10, 2025. We wanted to honor the legacy that Papa Hughie created in Lighthouse Point, and beyond, by taking a look back in time and remembering the man that started it all.
Hugh was born in Lima, Peru, and went on to face many obstacles with his family. Facing extreme poverty, his family was forced to move to Germany, then Canada in hopes of a better life. Hugh had ambitious dreams and moved to the United States in 1959 to attend college. He was then drafted to the U.S. Army, and served for three years as a calvary tank commander.
In the ’60’s, Hugh moved to the Bahamas and met his future wife Joy and her newborn baby, Christopher, where they spent many years together. It was then that they made the move to Florida and settled down roots in Lighthouse Point.
In 1976, Hugh and Joy opened up Seafood World, which included the fish market and a one-room restaurant with folding tables and chairs. Three years later, their son Troy was born, and the business just kept growing along with their family. In ’86, Seafood World expanded to include their second dining room, and in the ‘90s they got their back dining space.
Seafood World was busier than ever and operating at capacity, but Troy noticed a gap. There was no outside dining, and they were missing that fun, casual, island vibe where families could gather and enjoy their meals. When a Thai restaurant next door closed, the Ganters knew they did not want another spot to move into the space. They were already struggling with enough parking space and customers walking away when they were too busy to sit and eat.
In 2014, Troy and his wife Cassie went out on a limb and opened Papa’s Raw Bar, hoping to extend the island style and define what it means to Eat, Drink, and Be Local. Troy told us Papa always joked their house was “built on stone crabs and conch,” and that rang true as they started working together to build out the legacy that is Seafood World and Papa’s Raw Bar today.
Together, the two spaces radiated a laid back, island style community that keeps customers coming back to Papa’s. Troy activated the cove patio area between the two spaces, bringing in that island bar style with music playing, drinks flowing, and as much fresh seafood as he could get.
Papa Hughie believed in hard work, community, good food, and faith. While he leaves the physical world behind, his presence and legacy is carried on by Troy and the rest of the Ganters, through the community and spirit Papa Hughie sparked 50 years ago.
Papa’s Palooza will be hosted on April 18, 2026, in celebration of 50 years of Seafood World and the legacy and life that Hugh Ganter leaves behind.
