Earlier this week the owners of South Beach Grille in Santini Plaza started pulling buildout permits for their 4,782 square foot restaurant. According to Santini Plaza owner Yariv Shaked the goal is for the restaurant to be open by January 1, 2026.
Homeowners, condo residents and Fort Myers Beach visitors on the south end of the island have been anxiously waiting for a full restaurant to open. For now they either have to travel south off the island to Bonita or to the north end of Fort Myers Beach to Pubix or to Old San Carlos.Â
South Beach Grille has been closed since September 28, 2022 when Hurricane Ian hammered Fort Myers Beach and severely damaged Santini Plaza.Â
Before Ian Santini Plaza was booming with restaurants, including Oliver’s Place, Skye’s, Sand Bar, South Beach Grille, Subway, Truly Scrumptious Cafe and Ice Cream and Francesco’s Italian Deli & Pizzeria. Â
In recent months several businesses have opened in the plaza, however, the one missing piece is a full sit-down restaurant with a bar. South Beach Grille will be the first restaurant back open on the south end. It will be located in the old Oliver’s Place location.Â
Great news! The Ownership and Employees were always top-notch and I’m sure they will build it back better!
Loved the food.
I don’t understand why it takes so long the building is already there all they have to do is inside location was already a restaurant that they ownec
We have a place nearby & ate at Santini often when in town. I can understand delaying the huge invest it takes to redo an entire restaurant until the customer support makes it feasible. Many condo buildings on the island, including the South End are still rebuilding.
I was hoping New York Pizza and Pasta with a full bar would be open by September, 2025…..and be the first one open. Have they run into trouble with their schedule?
They reported months ago it would be opening in the Spring of 2025, I have not seen anything remotely going on in the plaza indicating they are coming, I drive passed it everyday to and from work and still nothing. I will periodically drive through the parking lot to see if there if there anything coming and still no sign of it coming or opening.
South Beach restaurant was my in laws favorite restaurant on the beach. They lived on fmb for 40 yrs. When we would visit them we always wanted to go to a restaurant on the water so we never went. Then we bought their house in 2019 and still never went. You can be sure we will be going this winter!!!!
Hurray! Can’t wait!