TopSide Marinas Expands Presence on Lake Belton with Acquisition of Frank’s Marina
TopSide Marinas a family-owned company that acquires and operates high-quality marinas throughout the United States, recently announced the acquisition of Frank’s Marina, a longstanding boating destination located on Lake Belton in Central Texas. This acquisition marks TopSide’s second marina on Lake Belton, joining North Point Marina, which the company acquired in 2022.
Located between Austin and Dallas and operating under a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers lease through the Fort Worth District, Frank’s Marina has served generations of boaters on Lake Belton and currently offers approximately 175 slips, boat rentals, fuel sales, and a marina store.
Frank’s Marina traces its roots back to 1953 when Frank Smith, the original owner, began serving workers building Belton Dam by selling cold drinks, hot dogs and burgers from a simple setup near to where the dam was being constructed. After the dam was completed, that small operation consisting of a food truck and a fishing dock grew into a marina and restaurant that has become a gathering place for the citizens of Bell County for more than six decades.
Jim and Cindy Hightower purchased controlling interest in the business in 2005 and three years later with a group of local investors opened The Dead Fish Grill. They have operated both the Marina and the restaurant for the last eighteen years. Looking toward the future, they recognized the need for additional investment capital and operational resources to fully realize the potential of both the restaurant and the marina.
“We are excited to welcome Frank’s Marina to TopSide Marinas,” said Michael McMahon, Regional Vice President of TopSide Marinas. “Lake Belton has become a very important market for us, and Frank’s Marina is a property with tremendous potential. The marina has a loyal customer base, a great location, and a long-standing reputation in the community. We look forward to building on that legacy while continuing to provide exceptional experiences for boaters.”
As part of its long-term investment strategy, TopSide hopes to reconstruct two existing docks and add new slips to increase capacity and better serve the growing boating community on Lake Belton. The dock improvements will be completed in partnership with James River Dock Services, TopSide’s in-house dock construction and marine infrastructure company.
“We see significant opportunities to enhance the marina while preserving what makes it special,” said Michael McMahon. “Our focus is always on improving the boating experience through thoughtful investments, quality infrastructure, and outstanding customer service. We are excited about the future of Frank’s Marina and the role it will continue to play on Lake Belton.”
For Jim and Cindy Hightower, the decision to partner with TopSide Marinas was driven by a shared vision for the future of the property.
“Frank’s Marina should be the premier marina on Lake Belton,” said Jim Hightower. “To achieve that vision, it takes significant investment, strong operations, and a commitment to long-term growth. We knew TopSide had the experience, resources, and passion to continue improving the marina while honoring its history and the customers who call it home.”
The partnership also allows the Hightower and his investor group to focus on expanding the restaurant and surrounding property. Their long-term vision includes additional hospitality offerings, event and venue space, and potentially overnight lodging that will further enhance the destination experience for visitors to Lake Belton.
“We’re excited about what this means for the future,” said Cindy Hightower. “TopSide’s investment in the marina complements our plans for the restaurant and surrounding acreage. Together, we believe we can create something truly special for the Lake Belton community and everyone who visits the lake.”
Frank’s Marina joins a growing portfolio of marinas operated by TopSide Marinas across Texas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Iowa, Michigan, Missouri, Kansas, Illinois and Wisconsin. The company remains focused on preserving the unique character of each marina while investing in improvements that benefit boaters, team members, and surrounding communities.
About TopSide Marinas
TopSide Marinas is a family-owned company that acquires and operates high-quality marinas throughout the United States, with a focus on operational excellence, community involvement, and creating exceptional customer experiences. To learn more, visit TopSideMarinas.com.
