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.
First, a little background. Worldwide, Vapiano International LLC operates and franchises the restaurants, which provide freshly made pasta, pizzas and salads, as well as a full-service bar. It is part of the fresh, fast casual movement that promotes healthy dining and speedy service — an idea that is antithetical to the tradition of fast food delivered via drive-through window.
Five years after establishing in Europe, Vapiano made its North American debut in Washington, D.C. in 2007. Since then, the chain has grown steadily and continues to expand. To date, there are more than 60 restaurants in 16 countries and more than 100 locations in development, including a handful in Florida.
Despite the Italian name, Vapiano was founded in Hamburg, Germany by Kent Hahne, the country’s first McDonald’s franchisee. But that’s where any connection with the golden arches ends, other than the fact that Vapiano’s Fort Myers location is across the street from a McDonald’s.
The Fort Myers Vapiano, which is owned by Nancy and Martin Luible in conjunction with some German partners, is located at the east end of the sprawling Town Center, across the parking lot from Target. Although the center contains a diverse selection of restaurants — P.F. Changs, Outback Steakhouse, Blu Sushi and Bar Louie among them — Vapiano stands out from any other chain around.
Aesthetically, the restaurant showcases sleek, contemporary design with great modern architecture from Milan, Italy. High ceilings and natural light set off the contemporary fine oak furnishings, natural stone and soft, earth-toned leather. The sophisticated, urban atmosphere is further enhanced by Villeroy & Boch dinnerware and hip music.
As with most better dining establishments, there’s a podium near the entrance and a professional host to greet customers. But instead of being taken to a table, patrons are given what appears to be a credit card. This is what you take to the various pasta, pizza or salad stations when placing an order.
Once you’ve ordered, the attending chef swipes the card, thereby adding the cost to your tab. At the end of the meal, there’s no waiting for a bill and no tip to calculate. You simply hand over your card and settle your tab when you’re ready to go.
Besides the convenience of the smart card, Vapiano’s self-serve concept offers diners the opportunity to witness how their food is prepared. Patrons order directly from chefs on the front cooking stage and can see for themselves exactly what they’re getting. Beyond the reassurance that everything truly is made from scratch, customers may make special requests to ensure that the items they choose suit their individual preferences.
Most diners, however, will be thrilled with the preparation of Vapiano’s many traditional, classic and premium pastas. Traditional and classic dishes include a choice of pasta with one or more of the basics: tomato sauce, olive oil, garlic, meat sauce, cream sauce, mushroom mix, chicken breast, parmesan and more. Premium pasta entrees include seafood and meat dishes. They also tend to have more complex sauces and fillings, and additional ingredients such as bacon Craisins, pepperoni and orange-chili sauce, depending on the dish.
The same categories apply to pizzas, with Margherita (tomato sauce and mozzarella) being a traditional choice and Caprese (a Margherita supplemented by fresh tomatoes and basil) among several classics. The premiums include Bruschetta (tomato sauce, mozzarella, arugula, fresh tomatoes, basil, garlic and parmesan), Chicken Pesto (with chicken breast, basil pesto and more), Diavolo (with spicy sliced Sicilian pepperoni, bell peppers and onions) and several others.
Salads and antipasti are equally delicious and include Carpaccio (thinly-sliced filet of beef served with mushrooms, parmesan cheese, arugula and cipriani sauce), Bruschetta and a Mixed Antipasti with roasted vegetables, Parmesan cheese, artichokes, tomatoes, mozzarella, black olives, arugula and bruschetta. Specials change daily and usually include a couple of soups, several one-of-a-kind pasta offerings (Pasta BBQ, for instance), a pizza and a dessert.
Typical tabs are in the $10-$13 range.
In spite of the individual, made-to-order preparation, the lightning-fast service makes Vapiano a great place for business lunches or dinner before a show. It is also a popular place to relax and mingle over drinks at the full-service bar. In addition to fabulous daily drink specials, such as $5 signature martinis on “Martini Mondays,” Vapiano has live entertainment periodically (call for details).
Besides the spacious, communal-style tables with seating for six to 12 inside, there is abundant patio seating, as well. Vapiano’s distinctive, umbrella-topped tables are as attractive as they are functional, and on pleasant nights, they provide the ideal backdrop for enjoying a leisurely meal alfresco. As such, Vapiano is the perfect alternative for those who may not be able to devote hours to fine dining but still desire quality food in a comfortable, cosmopolitan setting.
The Town Center location is only the first of many Vapiano restaurants planned for this area. Additional locations could be opening soon throughout Southwest Florida, including Naples, Tampa and Sarasota.
(Vapiano is at 9924 Gulf Coast Main Street, off Alico Road and Ben Hill Griffin Parkway in Fort Myers. The kitchen is open for lunch and dinner from 11:00 a.m. – 9 p.m. Sunday — Thursday and until 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Reservations accepted. Phone: 239-454-1066 or visit www.vapiano.com.)
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