S.O.B. is Now Open

Another Fort Myers Beach staple is back open for business with a full menu and fully stocked bar. Smokin Oyster Brewery on Old San Carlos is now being run by the owners of Wahoo Willie’s and Snug Harbor after being purchased by Ben Freeland at Moss Marina. 

Until Hurricane Ian destroyed the inside of S.O.B. It was owned by Bill and Colleen Freeman and run mostly by his son Reid who was also the chef. Months after S.O.B closed Reid  opened his own restaurant called Street Eatz on Pine island. 

The Feeland’s, who’ve owned Moss Marina for decades, are attempting to redevelop the property they own next to Snug Harbor restaurant. The plan includes several hotels, retail shops and a boardwalk near the water. 

S.O.B. and the property across the street, which included a small merchandise building that was destroyed in the storm and a daily parking public lot, was owned by Bill Freeman. The Freeland’s purchased all of the property owned by Freeman. 

The Freeland’s purchased the properties for the following reasons:
– To reduce traffic down residential streets (Bonita Street and Harbour Court) by creating an entrance for their future development on Old San Carlos Boulevard. Traffic on these
– To increase accessibility to the Bayfront development (if approved).
– To reactivate Old San Carlos Boulevard by reopening the Smokin Oyster Brewery.
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