Costa Enterprises McDonald’s Passes on the Legacy of Bluewater Bay and Niceville Locations to New Owners

The Costa Family of Costa Enterprises McDonald’s has announced their Bluewater Bay and Niceville restaurants will be transferring to new owners, Tim and Stacey Hughes, beginning Dec. 15, 2023.

Founder and local Nicevillian David Costa Sr. has owned both locations since 1997. Throughout the two decades, both locations have undergone various renovations in order to adapt and show appreciation to the local community. The Niceville location was updated with photos and memorabilia from the surrounding community and high school to reflect the important, homegrown spirit of the restaurant, while the Bluewater Bay location upgraded and expanded its PlayPlace to accommodate the growing younger generation in the area.

“These restaurants truly reflect the heart and soul of the community that surrounds them,” Costa said. “We wanted anyone who visits the restaurant to get a true feel for where they are and understand what a special place Niceville is.”

Both locations have also been heavily involved in various activities throughout the community including the annual Niceville Christmas Parade, state championship send-offs for several Niceville High School athletic teams, along with benefit nights supporting local kids, schools, churches, and charities. The company also has a multitude of give-back programs in place including McCafe for a Cause, where a percentage of coffee sales benefits a local charity; Archways to Opportunity, which provides college funds and scholarships to their employees; and teacher appreciation cards which grants every teacher in each of their 28 restaurants’ region a free cup of coffee. Each program supports their fellow community members and employees. The company has also made it a priority to lend a hand during the most difficult times. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Costa’s 28 locations handed out 9,000 free meals to frontline workers. After Hurricanes Harvey and Michael, the company assisted with housing, water and supplies.

The Costas are continuous supporters of the All Sports Association and serve breakfast to thousands of student athletes each year at their annual FCA Breakfast, hosted at Northwest Florida State College. Through the generation donation to the Northwest Florida State College, it led to the creation of the Costa Leadership Institute. Located on the third floor of the Raider Central Building on the Niceville campus, the institute offers instruction on subjects including professional writing, public speaking, photography and Microsoft Excel to help students enhance their business and professional skills.

The Costas also partnered with the local chapter of Ronald McDonald House and donated $100,000 to the Studer Family Children’s Hospital in Pensacola for their new McPlayroom, so all the families with loved ones receiving treatment have a space to unwind and relax with their other children.

“We’ve made it a priority to give back and support those in our community and support organizations that are going to propel this area into the future and develop it for future generations to come,” Costa said.

Costa and his wife, Helen, have a personal tie to the community as they have lived in Bluewater Bay for many years and it’s also where they raised their three kids, David Jr., Amy and Ashley.

“The Niceville community has been an integral part of our journey, both personally and professionally,” Costa said. “We are truly appreciative of the memories and the community we’ve built together and will continue to support and give back in various ways.”

While David Sr., Helen and Amy will take a step back from the business after the transition of Niceville and Bluewater Bay, David Jr. will continue the Costa legacy with McDonald’s locations in Crestview, Panama City and beyond. To learn more about Costa Enterprises McDonald’s, visit CostaMcD.com.