Apparently, Swahn knows as much about business as he knows about food and drink. Having lived and worked in the restaurant business in Southwest Florida for more than 20 years, Swahn eschews the clean-sweep approach embraced by many new owners. Typically, their efforts to forge a new identity include changing everything name, décor and menu and doing so immediately. Frequently, their efforts fail.

Wisely, Swahn has taken a different approach to transforming the old bird into a swan. His philosophy is to capitalize on the strengths that made Blackhawk a success, while fine-tuning elements that could be improved.

 “Many people are already familiar with Blackhawk and enjoy it,” said Swahn. “So with Blackswan, it’s more a matter of tweaking (the operation) than changing it.”

For example, although the cigar bar is now a martini bar, its masculine style and comfortable furnishings are the same. Also, the new name, Blackswan is being phased in gradually. 

One undeniable strength of the restaurant is its location, just off College Parkway in the South Pointe Shopping Center, east of McGregor Boulevard. Prominently positioned amid one of Fort Myers’ most vibrant areas, the restaurant is surrounded by numerous residential communities and commercial developments, and offers convenient access to Cape Coral.

Versatility and space are also major assets. In addition to the 75-seat dining room, Blackswan features a tropical and romantic 50-seat courtyard designed for relaxing and socializing, before, during and after dinner. A separate Club Room is available for conferences, seminars, private luncheons, dinners and other functions for groups, large and small.

Groups of as many as 200 also may be accommodated at a new facility on the corner of Summerlin and Pine Ridge roads, directly behind the new Hampton Inn. Designed for the expansion of Swahn’s 12-year-old catering business, Blackswan Catering, the building is available for occasions such as private banquets, parties, wedding receptions and other catered events.

Although both locations offer incomparable quality, only the College Parkway location is open to the public for dinner, six nights a week. And while every meal at Blackswan is sure to be special, Swahn said it’s not a special-occasion restaurant per se. Rather, it’s meant to provide a memorable night of exquisite dining and entertainment in one convenient location.

The menu has been revamped to include the best of the old with a variety of updated offerings. For example, popular entrees such as the Bourbon Street Filet Medallions (in a smoky, mash whiskey sauce) and Southern Trio Sampler (a mixed grill of fresh fish, Gulf shrimp and sea scallops served over creamed saffron fettuccine) remain, while several new fish, fowl and beef dishes have been added.

Entrée standouts include the Macademia-Sauteed Red Snapper, Roasted Raspberry Long Island Duck and Baked Rack of New Zealand Lamb, among others. All are accompanied by mixed vegetables and a choice of potato or rice, along with the house salad and fresh-baked bread. Prices range from $12.95 to around $22.95.

There is also a pleasing array of appetizers, ranging from Shrimp Cocktail, Oysters Rockefeller and Pepper-Seared Yellowfin Tuna to favorites such as Tri-Colored Tortellini, Blackhawk Soup du Jour, Stuffed Mushrooms and Bruschetta Bread (topped with diced tomatoes, garlic, basil and Provolone cheese, served with an olive-oil dip).

Beyond the actual food, there seems to be a greater emphasis on presentation and service, keys to a superior dining experience. In addition to a full bar and extensive wine selection (which received a 2000 Award of Excellence from Wine Spectator magazine), Blackswan has introduced flaming coffee drinks to complement the restaurant’s fresh selection of elegant desserts.

Between the courtyard, Club Room and martini bar, there are several after-dinner options on weekends for those who aren’t quite ready to head home or who are just heading out for the evening. On Fridays and Saturdays, live music begins in the courtyard at 7 p.m. and in the Club Room at 9:30 p.m. Better yet, there’s no cover charge.