119 Building, 9045 Strada Shell Court, Naples, Florida 34108
George Vuko, Welsh Companies FL, Inc., 261-4744, www.welshfl.com
2008, 59,638 Sq. Ft. Total
For Sale – $250 Sq. Ft., 40,270 Sq. Ft. Available
119 Building, 9045 Strada Shell Court, Naples, Florida 34108
George Vuko, Welsh Companies FL, Inc., 261-4744, www.welshfl.com
2008, 59,638 Sq. Ft. Total
For Sale – $250 Sq. Ft., 40,270 Sq. Ft. Available
12881 Metro Parkway, Fort Myers, Florida 33912
Thomas Birch, The Birch Company, 410-4400, birchrealty@comcast.net
1990, 12,500 Sq. Ft. Total, Pylon Signage, Truck Well, Fenced Yard
$4.25 Sq. Ft. + Tax & Insurance, 12,500 Sq. Ft. Available, 2,500 Sq. Ft. Office Includes Office/Showroom
14700 Tamiami Trail North, Naples, Florida 34110
Jack Crifasi, Crifasi Real Estate, Inc., 594-7000, www.crifasirealestate.com
Now Available, 5,850 Sq. Ft. Total
For Sale – $1.195 Million, Located Within Popular North Naples Shopping Center
15550 McGregor Boulevard, Fort Myers, Florida 33908
Thomas Birch, The Birch Company, 410-4400, birchrealty@comcast.net
Now Available, 10,000 Sq. Ft. Total
For Sale – $1.025 Million, For Lease – $9 Sq. Ft. + CAM, 500-10,000 Sq. Ft. Available, Will Divide
1930 Park Meadows Drive, Fort Myers, Florida 33907
Thomas Birch, The Birch Company, 410-4400, birchrealty@comcast.net
1987, 7,138 Sq. Ft. Total
For Sale – $1.08 Million, For Lease – $8 Sq. Ft. + CAM, 685-3,500 Sq. Ft. Available
22250-22290 South Tamiami Trail, Estero, Florida 33928
Jim McMenamy, RE/MAX Realty Group, 437-6300, jim@mcmenamygroup.com
Now Available, 10.16 Acres Total, Zoned CPD, Can Be Divided into Three Parcels
For Sale – $8.5 Million, Bank Owned Make Offer
2316 Bruner Lane, Fort Myers, Florida 33912
Thomas Birch, The Birch Company, 410-4400, birchrealty@comcast.net
1981, 23,795 Sq. Ft. Total
For Sale – $1.925 Million, For Lease – $3.95 Sq. Ft. + CAM, 23,795 Sq. Ft. Available
5286 Golden Gate Parkway, Naples, Florida 34116
Jim Doane, Welsh Companies FL, Inc., 261-4744, www.welshfl.com
2004, 3,000 Sq. Ft. Total
$12 Sq. Ft. Net, 1,350 Sq. Ft. Available
625 Building, 625 9th Street North, (Downtown-U.S. 41), Naples, Florida 34102
John Vega, HHH Investments, 659-3251, vegaoffice@embarqmail.com
2009, 28,000 Sq. Ft. Total
$22 Sq. Ft. + CAM, 4-8 Suites Available
900 5th Avenue South, Naples, Florida 34102
Jeffrey C. Clapper, Courtelis Company, 398-3622, jclapper@courtelis.com
1999, 19,164 Sq. Ft. Total
$25 Sq. Ft. + CAM, 3,084 Sq. Ft. Available
Adler Group, one of Florida’s oldest and largest commercial real estate firms, recently opened an Adler Realty Services office in Naples. Adler Group owns Collier Park of Commerce and Commerce Center of Naples, each comprising office, flex, warehouse and retail space.
|Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Southwest Florida will bring to life the animated tale, “Toy Story,” at its annual Storybook Ball on April 17th. The black-tie event will be held at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point from 6:00 -10:30 p.m.
|In February, the GolfTEC Improvement Center opened for business in Fort Myers at 14261 South Tamiami Trail.
|Late last year, employees and clients of Bank of Florida – Southwest collected 260 pairs of pajamas and a stack of books to support the Pajama Program, a not-for-profit organization that delivers warm sleepwear and books to children in need.
|Cee Cee Marinelli has been promoted to director of leasing for the Barron Collier Companies in Naples.
As such, she is the initial contact for all of the firm’s commercial properties, which include the shopping centers of Granada Shoppes, Magnolia Square, the Ave Maria Town Center and Bay Landing, as well as its office parks including Creekside Commerce Park, the Quarles & Brady Building, the Premier Executive Center and Poinciana Professional Park. All are in Collier County.
Completing projects on time and on budget used to be a selling point for commercial developers and builders. But as developer Donald Hinks and contractor Tom Overstreet have observed, it’s not enough to succeed in Southwest Florida’s marketplace today.
|Ed Castner and Stacey Mercado recently received BB&T-Oswald Trippe and Company’s 2009 Community Service Award for their commitment to improving the community through volunteerism. The award was established in 1999 to recognize the efforts of company employees on behalf of not-for-profit organizations, service clubs and other community groups.
|There’s a unique, underwater burial option being offered by a new Southwest Florida company. Unlike a typical burial at sea, this option allows a loved one’s cremated remains are integrated into a specially designed container, which is placed by divers as part of a living undersea reef “community.” The company, and the reef are known as Poseidon’s Garden.
|Commercial agents with CB Richard Ellis, Ft. Myers-Naples, reported numerous leases and some significant sales during the first quarter.
|Gulfcoast Consulting Group, Inc. (GCG) has been awarded the 17,000sf renovation project for Chico’s FAS Headquarters at 11215 Metro Parkway in Fort Myers. The architect is Gora/McGahey Architects.
GCG will fast track the project while maintaining the highest level of safety and security for the company’s National Store Support Center. The project encompasses one continuous space containing a reception area, gathering spaces, i
The Children’s Museum of Naples’ education series, Family Fun, has expanded into Lee County at Bell Tower Shops in Fort Myers. Children ages 4 through 8 now have the opportunity to explore the world through hands-on activities at the Fort Myers shopping center.
|Coconut Commerce Center, 12330 Tamiami Trail East, Unit 101, Naples, Florida 34113
George Vuko, Welsh Companies FL, Inc., 261-4744, www.welshfl.com
2004, 4,000 Sq. Ft. Total
For Sale – $237,500, 1,250 Sq. Ft. Available
Coconut Commerce Center, 12330 Tamiami Trail East, Unit 101, Naples, Florida 34113
George Vuko, Welsh Companies FL, Inc., 261-4744, www.welshfl.com
2004, 4,000 Sq. Ft. Total
For Sale – $256,500, 1,350 Sq. Ft. Available
College Parkway Executive Center, 8211 College Parkway, Fort Myers, Florida 33919
Enn Luthringer, CB Richard Ellis, 481-3800
9,932 Sq. Ft. Total, Monument Signage
Interior Spaces From $350 Per Month, Exterior Spaces From $650 Per Month
One-Year Terms Available
Cypress Realty Inc./GMAC Real Estate recently donated $2,000 to help the Lee Building Industry Association (BIA) Builders Care program provide free home repairs to disadvantaged Lee County residents.
The donation came from a crisis fund established by Cypress Realty Inc./GMAC Real Estate and Edison Mortgage to help local homeowners in need. The group also donated nearly $300 in Publix gift cards to Builders Care.
The 2nd Annual Tri-Town Classic Fishing Tournament will be held on May 1st, with all proceeds benefitting the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Southern Florida.
|Area residents now have some extra time to participate in a fitness and weight-loss challenge. The $100,000 Get Fit Lee County Challenge that began in January will now run through the end of July.
The goal of the challenge is for local residents to lose 1 million pounds of body fat and gain 250,000 pounds of muscle. In addition to getting in shape, participants can earn cash prizes for each age bracket. In all, there are 55 prize categories in the challenge, which is open to anyone living in Lee County who is aged 18 or over.
The Naples Italian American Club has selected DeAngelis Diamond Construction, Inc., as the construction manager for its new, 18,000sf clubhouse and banquet hall on Airport-Pulling and Orange Blossom roads in Naples.
|In January, Denmark Interiors expanded with a new location in Port Charlotte’s Heritage Plaza shopping center, joining tenants Best Buy, Bed Bath & Beyond, Michaels, Marshalls, Pier 1 Imports and TGI Friday’s.
|Dalton Drake recently joined J.L. Wallace, Inc. in Fort Myers, as Director of Business Development. In this role, he is responsible for developing new client relationships, managing existing client relationships, researching developing projects and networking to generate new leads.
|East Terry Street Commercial Land, 26750 Southern Pines Drive, Bonita Springs, Florida 34135
Doris Taylor, CB Richard Ellis, 641-7750, www.cbre.com
Now Available, 1.77 Acres Total, Zoned CPD, Approved for 11,000 Sq. Ft. Building
For Sale – $600,000 at $7.78 Sq. Ft.
Estero Park Commons, 9250 Corkscrew Road . Building 7 , Suite 5, Estero, Florida 33928
Jay Crandall, CCIM, Crandall Commercial Group, LLC, 221-8481, jay@jaycrandall.com
2002, 1,971 Sq. Ft. Total, Built Out Medical Space
$14 Sq. Ft. Triple Net + CAM, One Suite Available
Now in its 12th year, Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce is seeking applications for its next leadership program. The 10-week program is designed to connect and engage community leaders in examining the challenges and opportunities that will shape the area’s future.
|Fountain Court, 9411 Fountain Medical Court, Building E, Suite 100, Bonita Springs, Florida 34135
Jay Crandall, CCIM, Crandall Commercial Group, LLC, 221-8481, jay@jaycrandall.com
2007, 2,500 Sq. Ft. Total, Immediate Availability, Built-Out Medical Office Space
$14 Sq. Ft. Triple Net + CAM, One Suite Available
Galleria Plaza, 9180 Galleria Court, Naples, Florida 34109
Robert Morgan, Colonial Square Realty, Inc., 261-2627, www.colonialsquare.net
2001, 1,080 Sq. Ft. Total, Fully Built Out Offices
$12 Sq. Ft. + CAM, 1,080 Sq. Ft. Available
Gora/McGahey Architects in Fort Myers has completed the design of Park Regency at The Forum for Senior Care of Southwest Florida Development LLC.
The new building is designed to house services for assisted living and Alzheimer’s care. The Mediterranean-style structure features two atriums for natural light, a three-story independent living facility, a two-story assisted living area and a single-story Alzheimer’s wing.
Stevens Construction, Inc., recently started construction on the Gorovoy Cornea Laser Center in Fort Myers. It is scheduled for completion in the fall.
|Greyhound Commerce Park, 28741 South Cargo Court, Bonita Springs, Florida 34135
Doris Taylor, CB Richard Ellis, 641-7750, www.cbre.com
2002, Flex/Warehouse Space
Rent Negotiable + CAM ($2.51), 7,857-12,000 Sq. Ft. Available, Rent Incentives
Greyhound Commerce Park, 28731 South Cargo Court, Bonita Springs, Florida 34135
Doris Taylor, CB Richard Ellis, 641-7750, www.cbre.com
2002, Flex/Warehouse Space
Rent Negotiable + CAM ($3.26), 1,000-2,223 Sq. Ft. Available, Rent Incentives
Gulfcoast Consulting Group, Inc. (GCG) is working with the Fort Myers Regional Partnership on its poster campaign, which was launched to help boost the Lee County economy with incentives from renowned local artist Ikki Matsumoto. The aim is to have every business throughout the county participate in the promotion.
|Earlier this year, Heatherwood Construction Company completed construction and renovations at McClure Hall at First Presbyterian Church of Bonita Springs on Bonita Beach Road. The completed project includes a new multi-purpose room/auditorium.
|Hodges University, a private, non-profit institution of higher learning, is expanding its educational facilities in Naples to accommodate a growing enrollment, which now totals approximately 2,750 students system-wide.
|2341 Willard Street Apartments in Fort Myers recently sold for $119,000. The sale price represents $13,222 per unit and $13.49 psf. The buyer was a private local investor and the seller was a publicly-traded lender that foreclosed on the property last year.
Kevin Kelleher, an agent with Franklin Street Real Estate Services in Tampa, represented the buyer and seller.
The program is designed to help facilitate the education of professionals and staff in becoming church development experts.
NACDB members may be certified after an intensive multi-day training session featuring nationally-recognized leaders in church lending, stewardship, facilities management, architecture, construction and project management. Candidates also must pass a written exam and write a thesis creating expansion solutions for a church-building scenario.
Lakeview Medical Building, 700 Second Avenue North, (Next to NCH), Naples, Florida 34102
Robert Morgan, Colonial Square Realty, Inc., 261-2627, www.colonialsquare.net
1986, 73,323 Sq. Ft. Total
For Sale – $360,000
Randy Thibaut, Billy Rollins and Janie Hooker of Land Solutions recently negotiated the sale of five developed homesites in Moody River Estates in North Fort Myers.
Lennar Homes purchased the sites from Colonial Homes for $197,500. Lennar is selling and building new model and inventory homes in the gated community on Hancock Bridge Parkway, west of US 41.
Commercial agents with LandQwest Commercial report recent activity.
Sales
• PLC Investors, LLC: 8,694sf office building for $1.1 million from Tim and Marsha Shaw. The property is at 1820 Colonial Boulevard in Fort Myers (the former First Home Builders location). (Adam Palmer)
Passarella & Associates, a full-service ecological consulting firm based in Southwest Florida, has expanded its service area with an office in Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina, near Charleston.
|Margaret G. Tuya has been named executive director of Grubb & Ellis|1st Commercial’s Property Tax Management Division. Previously, Tuya spent more than 19 years as a commercial assessment analyst for the Lee County property appraiser’s office.
|Matt Price, a commercial agent with McGarvey Development Company, recently negotiated the following leases at company-owned properties in Fort Myers.
|Michael R. Spreckelmeier, president of Progressive Builders, Inc., has been certified by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as an official EPA Certified Renovator. This allows the firm to conduct lead-safe renovations and repair painting work in older housing and child-occupied facilities.
|Instant Tax Service, a national tax preparation company, recently opened offices in Cape Coral and Lehigh Acres. Dave Krzak is the franchise owner of both locations.
Company CEO Fez Ogbazion started the company as a single storefront just outside of Cincinnati, OH, when he was a 19-year-old college student. Since expanding nationwide, Instant Tax Service has opened nearly 1,200 locations, most of which are independent franchises. This is its eighth year in business.
Newton Place, 7130 Estero Boulevard, Fort Myers Beach, Florida 33931
Tim Eovino, Coldwell Banker Commercial NRT, 285-1400, info@timeovino.com
1979, 7,795 Sq. Ft. Total
$17 Sq. Ft., 1,170-7,795 Sq. Ft. Available, Multiple Units
Nortown Plaza, 390 Pondella Road, North Fort Myers, Florida 33993
Karen Goncalves, Century 21 Sunbelt Realty, Inc., 887-0237, flgoncalves@comcast.net
Joe Castagna, Century 21 Sunbelt Realty, Inc., , 872-8433, jcasjr@yahoo.com
1977, 12,000 Sq. Ft. Total on 1.1 Acres, 11% Cap Rate, 100% Occupied
Current Owner Will Provide Management
Call For Price, 12,000 Sq. Ft. Available on 1.1 Acres
Nulman Mediation Services has donated $1,000 to help the Lee Building Industry Association (BIA) Builders Care program. The non-profit, charitable arm of the BIA provides free home repairs to elderly, disabled and economically disadvantaged Lee County residents.
|This year marks 20 years in business for Osterhout, McKinney & Prather, P.A. in Fort Myers.
For two decades, the firm’s attorneys have been committed to providing legal services to the elderly of Southwest Florida. Its elder law focus includes estate planning, probate, guardianship, asset protection planning, living wills, health care surrogates, durable powers of attorney, trusts, life care planning, special needs trusts, and Medicare and Medicaid qualification.
Palm Beach Professional Park, 14651 Palm Beach Boulevard, Fort Myers, Florida 33905
Fred Kermani, CCIM, CB Richard Ellis, 659-4960, www.cbre.com/fred.kermani
2004, 15,600 Sq. Ft. Total, Medical Impact Fees are Paid for Some Units, Eight Office Condominiums
For Sale – $3.1 Million at $199 Sq. Ft., Unit 102 – $365,000, Unit 103 – $290,000
Unit 106A – $330,000, Unit 106B – $250,000,
Palmetto Grove Industrial Park, 2853-2861 Work Drive, Fort Myers, Florida 33916
Jim McMenamy, RE/MAX Realty Group, 437-6300, jim@mcmenamygroup.com
Now Available, 201,682 Sq. Ft. Total, On 4.63 Acres
For Sale – $3.25 Million, For Lease – Call For Rate, 1,140 Sq. Ft. & Up Available
Piazza DiBonita, 27180 Bay Landing Drive, Bonita Springs, Florida 34135
Cherie Fierstein, Colonial Square Realty of Fort Myers, LLC, 939-7721
1999, 23,087 Sq. Ft. Total
Call For Rate, 1,497 & 2,279 Sq. Ft. Available, Two Units Available
RE/MAX Realty Group in Fort Myers recently added two professionals to its Commercial Division.
Industry veteran J. Clifford Wiersma, CCIM, has joined as a Broker Associate. With 36 years of real estate experience, Wiersma specializes in raw land sales to developers and investors, land development, investment property sales, 1031 tax-deferred exchanges, and commercial and industrial sales and leasing.
The Real Estate Investment Society (REIS) recently elected its 2010 officers and Board of Governors. They are: President Hal Tate; Vice President Kevin M. Fitzgerald (NAI Southwest Florida); Treasurer Kim Donnelly (Reliance Bank); and Secretary Steve Hurley (David Douglas Associates).
|Glenn Cribbett has joined Royal Corinthian Homes as a project manager. In this role, he oversees the construction of high-end custom homes, including buy-out/purchasing, field supervision, permitting and customer satisfaction.
|Agents with Commercial Property Southwest Florida, LLC in Fort Myers, recently negotiated the following sales and lease transactions. All properties are in Fort Myers unless otherwise noted.
|Commercial agents with RE/MAX Realty Group in Fort Myers report the following recent sales and leases. All transactions are in Fort Myers unless otherwise noted.
|Salli Jones-Doyon has joined Stiles Realty as a Naples-based leasing agent for the retail properties the company represents in Lee and Collier counties.
Jones-Doyon has worked in the area’s real estate industry for more than 10 years, most recently as a commercial transactional broker with Colliers Arnold in Naples. Previously, she was director of sales and leasing for Grand Bay Properties’ Pelican Bay development in Bonita Springs.
San Carlos Marketplace, 18011 South Tamiami Trail
(Intersection of U.S. 41 & Constitution Boulevards), Fort Myers, Florida 33908
Justin Ward, Webber Commercial Properties, 896-3021, www.sancarlosmarketplace.com
1997, 71,000 Sq. Ft. Total, Anchor/Northern Tool Equipment
$12-$15 Sq. Ft. Triple Net + CAM, 1,500-5,000 Sq. Ft. Available,
10,000-30,000 Sq. Ft. Total Available, Call for Incentives
Recently, Paul Sands and Michael Doyle, CCIM, of The Sands Commercial Group at VIP Commercial in Fort Myers, consulted on a $3.75 million sale in New Mexico.
On behalf of seller Fischer New Mexico Properties, LLC, they negotiated a long-term sale/leaseback to Academy Hogs, LLC, on Fischer’s property at 5000 Alameda Boulevard, N.E., in Albuquerque.
Sheeley Architects, Inc., recently announced that Peter Shawinsky, AIA, has been appointed by the Lee County Public Schools to the Construction Advisory Board.
Shawinsky joined Sheeley Architects in 2006 as a project architect and has more than 30 years of experience in the commercial and residential markets. He is also the director of business development for Sheeley Architects.
Six Mile Cypress Office Park, 10501 Six Mile Cypress Parkway
(At Winkler Avenue Intersection), Fort Myers, Florida 33966
Terri Dawson, Florida Investors, LLC, 278-5800, terri@florida-investors.com
1989, 12,100 Sq. Ft. Building Class A
$260 Per Month, 98-128 Sq. Ft. Available, Includes Internet
Utilities & Cleaning, Common Lobby, Conference Room & Kitchen
On Tuesday, January 26th, participating Sonny’s Real Pit Bar-B-Q restaurants across the Southeast donated a portion of the day’s sales directly to the American Red Cross Haiti Relief Fund. A total of $31,023 was raised to aid the Red Cross in the rescue and rehabilitation efforts in Haiti.
|Stabile Building, 5551 Ridgewood Drive, Naples, Florida 34108
Jordan Poppa, Welsh Companies FL, Inc., 261-4744, www.welshfl.com
1990, 38,386 Sq. Ft. Total
$24 Sq. Ft. Triple Net + CAM, 3,158 Sq. Ft. Available
Dr. Michael J. Collins has awarded Stevens Construction, Inc., the contract to build the 10,440sf Collins Vision Center at 6900 International Blvd. in Fort Myers.
Designed by Christopher Lee Architects, Inc., the medical office building will feature eight exam rooms, a procedure room, two orbital scan rooms, lobby, reception area, staff lounge, an eyewear retail area and administrative offices. Construction is scheduled to begin this spring, with completion before the end of the year.
Tamiami Square Office, 14710 Tamiami Trail North, Naples, Florida 34110
Doris Taylor, CB Richard Ellis, 641-7750, www.cbre.com
2009, 12,137 Sq. Ft. Total, Three Suites Available
$14-$18 Sq. Ft. + CAM, 2,930-5,861 Sq. Ft. Available
The Corporate Suites at Gulf Gate Plaza, 2658 East Tamiami Trail, Naples, Florida 34112
Todd Sabin, Cameron Real Estate Services, Inc., 261-1111
2010, 40,000 Sq. Ft. Total, Class A, Multiple Ways to Divide
$8-$12 Sq. Ft. + CAM ($4.50), 40,000 Sq. Ft. Available, Brand New
Trianon Building, 850 Parkshore Drive, Naples, Florida 34103
George Vuko, Welsh Companies FL, Inc., 261-4744, www.welshfl.com
1993, 28,242 Sq. Ft. Total
$22 Sq. Ft. Gross, 2,849 Sq. Ft. Available, Great Sublease Opportunity
Unbeknownst to many Southwest Floridians, in recent years Vapiano has garnered national and international acclaim among restaurant industry insiders for its innovative approach to dining. Best described as “upscale fast casual,” the concept incorporates self-service and top-quality, made-to-order food items into one ultra-modern setting. It’s a unique epicurean experience that’s catching on locally at Gulf Coast Town Center in Fort Myers.
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The Prawnbroker Restaurant & Fish Market had plenty of competition and customers when it first opened in 1982. What’s remarkable is that 28 years later, most of its competitors are long gone and the Prawnbroker is still packing them in at its south Fort Myers location.
“We’ve seen the good times, survived the bad times and we’re still going strong,” says general manager Steve Wolfe, who has been at the helm from the outset. “We have a great customer base. Now I’m seeing the children and grandchildren of our early customers.”
The restaurant at the Fort Myers Country Club on McGregor Boulevard has been known by many names over the years, none for an extended period. This time, however, the historic, local landmark seems to have acquired a lasting identity as The Edison.
Unbeknownst to many Southwest Floridians, in recent years Vapiano has garnered national and international acclaim among restaurant industry insiders for its innovative approach to dining. Best described as “upscale fast casual,” the concept incorporates self-service and top-quality, made-to-order food items into one ultra-modern setting. It’s a unique epicurean experience that’s catching on locally at Gulf Coast Town Center in Fort Myers.
Other than the signage and strip center location, there’s little about the Sweet Bean Coffee Cafe that resembles a commercial operation. Unlike its ubiquitous corporate coffee competitors, Sweet Bean is a locally owned and operated original.
When it comes to food and cooking, Reiner Drygala is as knowledgeable as he is passionate. He has worked at restaurants nationwide in kitchens large enough to cater a party for 5,000 guests, as well as spaces so tiny there was barely room for an oven. His repertoire includes all types and styles of cuisine, from Caribbean to German to American wilderness (wild game).
Bacchus of Fort Myers in the Bell Tower Shops occupies a space that has had many names over the years, including Bacchus, Dragonfly Bistro, Bacco and Toro. Now that it is back to being known as Bacchus, some diners question whether it’s the “real” Bacchus and whether the food is as good as the original’s.
Until earlier this year, there was little reason to visit Fort Myers Beach other than to frolic in the surf and sand. But with the January opening of Bayfront Bistro, diners from Sarasota to Marco Island are making the journey to experience Lee County’s hottest new waterfront restaurant. There’s much to savor at this exceptional spot.
It’s one thing to create clever menu concepts, but to prepare and present food that tastes as good as it looks takes real talent. Obviously, that’s something that Southwest Florida restaurateur Shannon Yates has in abundance.
Southwest Florida diners can be a fickle bunch in the best of times, often turning a cold shoulder to the eateries they deemed red-hot just a few months earlier. But Blu Sushi is one restaurant that has retained its trés chic reputation ever since its 2003 debut. Now with three locations, Blu continues to attract local trendsetters who recognize value and appreciate quality.
If you’re from the South, you already know that barbecue, grits, cornbread and fried green tomatoes are dietary staples. But you don’t have to be a southerner to appreciate the delightful treat of dining at Lee Roy Selmon’s in Fort Myers. Located at the southeast corner of Daniels Parkway and U.S. 41, it is one of six Southwest Florida establishments named for the legendary football star.
If you confuse dining value with fast-food combo meals delivered via drive-through window, you need to visit Bear Rock Cafe in Fort Myers. Since opening a year ago, the eatery has proven that freshly-made meals can be tasty, quick and affordable. In fact, for less than $20, two people can enjoy a hearty home-cooked lunch or dinner – no small feat in today’s economy.
Unless you’re hungry for sushi, you’re guaranteed to find something to suit your appetite at Icabod’s Wicked Good Food and Drink in south Fort Myers. In fact, its oversized, four-page menu is so extensive and jam-packed with choices, it may be impossible to settle on a single item.
Unless you’re from Cape Cod, you might assume that the Roadhouse Cafe is a place that serves wings and beer to patrons clad in t-shirts. Well, don’t let the name fool you.
Located in the Gulf Point Plaza in south Fort Myers, the Roadhouse Cafe is one of the best fine dining restaurants to open in Southwest Florida in years. Formerly known as La Brasserie, Roadhouse offers outstanding food, entertainment and service in an elegant yet homey atmosphere.
After Jimmy Buffett’s “Cheeseburger in Paradise” became a hit in 1978, restaurants throughout south Florida and beyond claimed to be the inspiration behind the song. Life imitated art in 2002, when the songwriter himself opened the first Cheeseburger in Paradise restaurant (in Indianapolis).
With pizza parlors on seemingly every corner in Southwest Florida, finding a pie is never a problem. Finding a great one is another matter – unless you know about Starz Restaurant & Pizzeria.
In just the last six months, Cape Harbour in southwest Cape Coral has become as well known for its restaurants as for its million-dollar waterfront homes. There, the restaurateurs behind the hugely popular Rumrunners restaurant have established two new and diverse options for casual dining with The Joint and Run Agrounds.
In most restaurants, music is used a background device to establish the ambience of the dining room and help set the tempo for the meal. But that’s not always the case.
Restaurants that succeed in downtown Fort Myers seem to share several distinctive characteristics.
For one thing, they tend to be owned and operated by restaurateurs with considerable experience not only in Southwest Florida, but also in larger, metropolitan areas or at world-class resorts in exotic destinations. The food and service reflect as much. Also, the owners appear to regard downtown as more than just a location, but rather a commitment to contribute to the area’s redevelopment.
It was a stunning blow to area diners when a fire in 2005 gutted Romano’s Macaroni Grill in south Fort Myers. The fact that Italian restaurants seem to be on every block from Punta Gorda to Marco Island brought little comfort to the restaurant’s loyal patrons.
When pondering where to go for lunch or dinner, Shell Point Retirement Community is not likely to be the first place to spring to mind. Considered by many to be Lee County’s best-kept secret, most visitors to Shell Point are pleasantly surprised to find that several of the community’s dining venues are open to the public. One of them is the Palm Grill.
When the Sunshine Café in south Fort Myers got a new owner last year, some long-time customers were a bit anxious. Many feared there would be an overhaul, drastically changing the character and menu they’d come to love. Fortunately, the new owner was Sandy Stilwell, and in the year since she’s been in charge, loyal patrons of the old Sunshine Café have more reasons than ever to like it as the Sunshine Seafood Café & Lounge.
Like the rest of Southwest Florida, downtown Fort Myers was a far different place when Harold’s on Bay opened just a few years ago. Beau Rivage had yet to open and plans for downtown redevelopment were still being formulated. So when respected chef Harold Balink decided to launch a new restaurant in the space once occupied by Peter’s La Cuisine, he knew he had his work cut out for him.
It’s rare to find a Southwest Florida restaurant whose adult patrons were children when they enjoyed their first meal there. Fortunately for local diners, Mona Lisa is just such a place.
At first glance, one might not notice that there’s been a change in the roster of four-star restaurants at the Bell Tower Shops in Fort Myers. That’s why it behooves fine-food lovers to revisit one of the center’s prime spots, now occupied by Bacco Restaurant & Wine Bar.
It’s a good sign when a restaurant opens to rave reviews and standing-room-only crowds. It’s an even better sign when that is still the case after two years in business.
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