The Banana Boat restaurant, 739 E. Ocean Ave., is celebrating its 30th anniversary in November, with festivities beginning Nov. 6 and running through Nov. 9.

Luke Therien, the restaurant's co-owner, said Banana Boat decided to give 30 percent off the entire check for food and liquor during the event.

“The theme of the celebration is giving back to our customers, especially with the recession and the tough economic times we are going through,” he said.

Therien said the weekend would include food specials including live Maine Lobsters and prime rib, plus extra drinks added to the regular menu.

In addition, he said live music, entertainers and magicians would be part of the weekend’s event.

“We will also have giveaways and little gifts, along with some tastings of food and drinks,” Therien said.

He said part of the celebration would focus on how things have changed throughout the past 30 years when his family opened to restaurant in 1978.

“Boynton has changed in the past 30 years from a small sleepy town to a large tourist destination,” he said. “With that, the restaurant has changed too.”

The Banana Boat was originally decorated with fishnets and numerous nautical artifacts.

In 2000, the Banana Boat underwent a multimillion dollar renovation to coincide with construction of a new bridge and a changing downtown. During that time, the state demolished its old 1935 Ocean Avenue Bridge and replaced it with a much bigger bridge right next to Banana Boat.

Therien said it is estimated that more than 10 million customers have visited Banana Boat, and more than 6,500 employees have worked there since its opening Nov. 6, 1978.

For information on Banana Boat’s anniversary celebration, call the restaurant at 561-732-9400.

Mike Rothman can be reached at mkrothman@tribune.com.