Third generation takes over Raintree Restaurant in St. Augustine
St. Augustine, FL — Raintree Restaurant is no longer for sale in uptown St. Augustine, Florida. After being on the market in 2025, the third generation of the family owned restaurant stepped in at the beginning of 2026 to run the iconic old city eatery.
The Raintree Restaurant opened in 1981, founded by Tristan & Alex MacDonald, who renovated a historic 1879 Victorian home to create the popular restaurant. The owners celebrate 45 years in 2026.
HISTORY
In March 1979, the MacDonald Family, Tristan and Alex, son Gaere and daughter Lorna, left England on their 45-foot Ketch, Intsholo III bound for the USA. They sold everything and said goodbye to Europe and their friends.
They set sail from the Canary Islands on November 7, 1979, a crossing that took 17 days before anchoring in Bridgetown, Barbados. The next step was through the Caribbean, across to Singer Island, Florida, and then north to St. Augustine.
In November 1980, the MacDonald’s found the house at 102 San Marco Avenue, and after 10 months of restoration and renovations, the building became the Raintree Restaurant.
It quickly became a favorite Florida dining destination in the nation’s oldest city.
The restaurant eventually passed to the second generation, siblings Lorna and Gaere MacDonald. Following Gaere’s departure in 2001, Lorna and her husband, Christopher Cantabene, carried the legacy forward for over two decades, protecting the restaurant’s identity through changing times.
In August 2025, Raintree reached a crossroads. The restaurant was briefly listed for sale, and for a moment, it seemed the story might be nearing its final chapter. But legacy has a way of calling people home. That call was answered by the third generation: Zachary Fraser and Brittany Fraser Keith.
Zach has hosted guests at the Raintree for the past 18 years. He will now be joined by his sister, Brittany, who is returning to her roots from a career in her own law firm specializing in estate planning.
“I am excited to maintain the relationships with our local clientele and keep the traditions going, especially during the holidays. Maybe we will be succeeded by our children,” said Zachary Fraser.
Having operated her own firm, Brittany brings a meticulous eye for stewardship and long-term strategy.
”I wanted to support my mom and Chris in their desire to retire. They work extremely hard and deserve a bit of rest and relaxation,” Brittany Fraser Keith said.
“But I also didn’t want to see Raintree get bulldozed or changed into something I couldn’t recognize. I took for granted that the restaurant would always be a part of mine and my children’s lives. I hope to continue the legacy and preserve the charm of a town favorite.”
With their decision to lead, the “For Sale” sign has come down. Lorna and Chris will remain an integral part of the team, ensuring that the traditions you love remain intact. As the third generation steps forward, Raintree enters a new era: Guided by experience, strengthened by legacy, and renewed by the commitment of those who grew up with its story.
”Keeping The Raintree going forward is exciting and I look forward to the challenges ahead as we pass the helm,” Lorna MacDonald said.
“While Chris and I will still be partners, we look forward to being able to take some time off. The reaction from our guests has been amazing. Everyone is so excited that we are staying and their personal traditions can continue. The attachment after 45 years of being here is really quite emotional and I know it would have been a sad day if we were to pass it on to an outsider. I am looking to the future.”
The Raintree is located at 102 San Marco Avenue in uptown St. Augustine. The restaurant opens at 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday; and from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. for Sunday brunch.
Reservations: Visit raintreerestaurant.com or call 904-824-7211.
