Upgrades Unveiled at Bonita Fish Company’s Event Space

HM Restaurant Group has unveiled Bayside at Bonita Fish Company, a private indoor-outdoor event venue at their location under the Matanzas Pass Bridge. Now available for reservations, the upgraded space provides plated dinners for 70 guests and up to 150 people for standing receptions. 

“We’re excited to introduce Bayside at Bonita Fish Company, a new space for private celebrations and community events,” said Joe Harrity, a partner with HM Restaurant Group, which owns and operates the new restaurant and neighboring restaurants Dixie Fish Company and Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille. “It’s a picturesque venue for a variety of occasions, from weddings and smaller charity events to company, birthday and holiday parties. We’re already accepting reservations.”
The venue is part of HM Restaurant Group’s vision of revitalizing the block between Doc Ford’s and Bayside at Bonita Fish Company into a destination for dining, entertainment, waterfront and marina access. The company has also introduced Doc Ford’s Lounge at the Fort Myers Beach restaurant, a private event space for 25 or more guests. 

Bonita Fish Company, located on the site of the former Bonita Bill’s restaurant, will feature 300 indoor and outdoor seats, a large center bar, daily music and a menu focusing on fresh seafood. It will serve breakfast, lunch and dinner from 7 a.m. to closing. HM Restaurant Group is also building a floating dock marina, which will operate independently from the restaurant and serve boat-in customers, offer long-term rentals and accommodate boats up to 90 feet with shore power and water.

Originally built in 1926 as Bonita Fish House, the nearly century-old restaurant has a storied past as a gathering place for the Fort Myers Beach community. Its name and history echo Dixie Fish Company, an original fish house built in 1937 as a seafood market. Both restaurants pay homage to the heritage and history of old Florida fish houses.