It’s called Lit Coco, located in the Key Estero Shopping Center across from The Sea Gypsy. The owners are Michael and Renee Caney and the theme is Jamaican. We spoke to Renee about what Fort Myers Beach residents and island visitors can expect when they walk through their door.
BTRN: Where are you and your husband from and why did you decide to open a restaurant on Fort Myers Beach?
Renee: We were both at Lee Memorial Hospital, him in 83, and I in 91. We have lots of history on the beach between both of our families. My father grew up on Fort Myers Beach. My parents met on Fort Myers Beach when my mom was down for spring break. Michael lived on the beach during his younger adult years with his mother. We wanted to expand our business, and our dreams, as we both have many years in the restaurant industry and opening restaurants for others. It’s something we both have passion for and we know it could bring value to the island. Instead of your normal fish-n-chips or cheeseburger we wanted to bring a Caribbean flare to the island. Something new, something different, something that Fort Myers Beach hasn’t seen before.
BTRN: Do you own other businesses on the island?
Renee: Yes, Hurricaney Enterprise, a home improvement and property maintenance company. Luxury Vacation Rentals, a vacation rental company with over 50 properties on Fort Myers Beach.
BTRN: Tell us about the renovations you made.
Renee: It was an old subway We gutted the inside and started from the ground up. New granite counter tops, dessert display cases, a hood system and all new kitchen appliances .
Everything is brand new and it took us about 18 months to complete.
BTRN: How did you come up with Lit Coco as the name?
Renee: We came up with the name because we wanted to serve real coconut drinks to go with the island vibe we’re offering, Also we have a dog named Coco. So instead of putting da lime in da coconut we put the Lit (another word for fire) in the coconut.
BTRN: How many do you seat and how many tables are outside?
Renee: We can sit 15 at the bar, we have 6 tables inside seating 4 and 3 tiki huts seating 5 per tiki. Total of 54 guests.
BTRN: What’s on the menu?
Renee: Everything is made from scratch, all ingredients are imported from Jamaica giving you that authentic Caribbean taste, from coconut shrimp, to jerk chicken, ox- tail and whole fried snapper we have it all! We also have deserts made from scratch from our pastry chef, pineapple upside down cake , mango cheese cake, double fudge chocolate cake and banana bread.
Lit Coco is open for business now. Renee and Michael are having a Grand Opening party on June 24th and the entire community is invited. The restaurant hours are Tuesday- Thursday 11am- 9pm, Friday & Saturday-11am-10pm and Sunday 11am-9pm. The telephone number is 239-880-7628
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