Mr. Dunderbak's is back: Historic Daytona Beach restaurant reopens on Beach Street

Bavarian restaurant's new location brings more customers, owner says.

  • Daytona Beach
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The old saying goes, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” Bavarian restaurant Mr. Dunderbak’s has turned that conventional wisdom on its head. Co-owner Matt Martin says even though the restaurant had a big following, it was time to find a new location. 

Martin and his father, Doug, have owned the restaurant since April 2023

For 50 years the restaurant was located in the Volusia Mall where it became a hot spot for locals looking for German cuisine and a hefty selection of German beer. The Martins closed down the Volusia Mall location on May 30. 

“We spent over a year working on this new place,” Martin said. “The rent is half what it was at the mall, and sales are projected to be twice what it was at the mall."

The new location has been open for nearly a month, and customers have been coming out in large numbers.

“This has rivaled our best days at the mall almost every day,” Martin said.  

The new location hasn’t changed the original Mr. Dunderbak’s experience, according to the customers. 

“It’s almost like everyone knows everyone else,” said JJ Machuga, frequent customer. “It's always a vibe. That’s what makes a great place a great place.”

The vibe includes lots of energy, but not TV. 

“It’s very loud in here right now, because people are talking with each other,” Martin said. “People who didn’t come here together are intermingling. I really just wanted to make this a second home for everyone.”

Martin puts trivia cards and games at the tables to help patrons get conversations started. 

“Anytime I can create an alternative to looking at your phone or looking at a TV, I want that,” Martin said. "It feels really wholesome.”

Mr. Dunderbak’s is known for that wholesomeness, the German cuisine, cold cut sandwiches, potato pancakes, and beer tastings of unique drafts from multiple countries. 

“It’s like our second home. They’re like family,” customer Shelba Farmer said. “The people, the food, the beer tastings. It’s just fun."

Mr. Dunderbak’s is located at 116 N. Beach St., in Daytona Beach. Soft opening hours are Monday to Thursday 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.; and Sunday noon to 6. 

For menu and more info go to www.mrdunderbaks.com.

 

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