With ongoing litigation between Randy Wayne White, HM Restaurant Group announced it will become the title sponsor of the annual “Ding” Darling Tarpon Tournament, despite a demand to remove the Doc Ford’s name.
HM Restaurant Group manages the Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille restaurants, which served as title sponsor of the tournament for the past 14 years. During that time, the tournament has raised more than $2 million to support conservation efforts at the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge.
As part of ongoing litigation and trademark disputes involving the Doc Ford’s name, Randy Wayne White, owner of the Doc Ford’s trademark, sued HM Restaurant Group to prevent it from using the Doc Ford’s name in association with the tournament. As a direct result of the lawsuit, the longstanding Doc Ford’s title sponsorship will end and HM Restaurant Group will become the title sponsor.
“We would have been proud to continue supporting this tournament under the Doc Ford’s name, just as we have for the past 14 years,” said Joe Harrity, partner with HM Restaurant Group. “Randy Wayne White has demanded that the name be removed, and as a result, we are happily moving the sponsorship to HM Restaurant Group. “We look forward to helping the tournament build on its success and expand its conservation impact for years to come.”
The title sponsorship change will take effect with the 2027 tournament. HM Restaurant Group will continue its financial support of the event under the company name.
“Over the years, this tournament has evolved into one of the most powerful engines for conservation at “Ding” Darling — and HM Restaurant Group has been instrumental in that growth,” said Angeli Chin, events, marketing and grants manager for the “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society. “Their unwavering commitment as our title sponsor doesn’t just sustain the tournament; it propels us forward. Because of partners like HM, we’re able to dream bigger, do more and expand the impact this event has on the waters and wildlife that define our community.”
The 15th annual “Ding” Darling Tarpon Tournament will take place in May 2027.