As we head toward the fourth anniversary of Hurricane Ian, one of the biggest questions on everyone’s mind is when are new restaurants going to open so there’s more places to hang out on Fort Myers Beach. Here’s what we know.
South Beach Grille in The Santini Plaza. The new planned Grand Opening is July 15th. There may be a soft opening before that so we will keep you all posted. South Beach Grille was one of the most popular hangouts for residents and visitors on the south end and is one of the most anticipated reopenings.
The owners of Sol Tequilla (formerly Mr. Tequlla) in the Key Estero shopping plaza are shooting for a September 2026 opening. As they get closer to an official date, we will update everyone. This restuarant will be owned by the same family. It’s just a name change.
Jersey Mike’s, also in the Key Estero Shopping Plaza, has now set a tentative opening date of July 15th. They plan to have an official ribbon-cutting with giveaways when they open. Jersey Mike’s will be a new addition to the beach when they open. They will have free dedicated parking for customers when they open.
One other note. The unit that was home to Freakie Boutiqie in Santini Plaza, which recently closed, is being subdivided into two units. Nobody has been signed yet to go into those units.
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Any update on the NY Pizza and Pasta in Santini?
Couldn’t agree more with Don.
Yes, any updates on Salty Crab, Shuckers, or The Cottage?!
Well, one should ask … what incentive is there for brick and mortar restaurant owners/investors on the island when you are competing with these Town Council approved food trucks that can just drive on the island, slap out some plastic tables and chairs, employ 2-3 people (no wait staff) and essentially incur no maintenance/investment into the land itself, other than lot rent? I thought most food trucks were only being allowed temporarily until the island was able to build up after Ian?! Apparently, the TC decided on it’s own this can be a permanent situation?!?. A food truck park mid-island, one on the South end and supposedly another one on the North end opening?? Seriously, 3 Food Truck Parks on the island, with others in Times Square and dotted along Estero? Well, I guess it’s true what folks are saying, FMB will soon be known as the Food Truck Capital of South West Florida! Great job TC!
Not a fan of food trucks. Overpriced food that you have to order, wait, pick up, and find a table to sit and eat. No thanks
Actually, one should ask … what incentive is there for brick and mortar restaurant owners/investors on the island when there is nowhere to stay, due to the crybaby residents crying about every project trying to get approved.
Then cry about no restaurants.
There are typically plenty of places to stay on the island. The truth is most of these hotels/resorts have their own bar/restaurants anyway, i.e., Diamond Head/Margaritaville/Lani Kai. Besides tourists, there are local residents, property owners, snow bird property owners as well as Fort Myers/Cape Coral residents visiting the beach and are always looking for places to eat/dine. Your post sounds like a typical hotel developer’s statement. I’m in the vacation rental business on the island and I’ve not heard one TOURIST complain about not being able to find places to stay, (it’s more about what they are willing to pay and a brand new hotel will not be cheap). Take a look on VRBO and Airbnb … there are hundreds of vacation rental places available on the island to stay, with more on the way. In addition, I periodically check local existing hotel availability … and other than maybe Feb/March, there are typically always rooms available. A restaurant can survive without another hotel. From my experience, it’s really the other way around right now, locals and tourists want more variety of restaurants to choose from. We desperately need more brick and mortar restaurants!
Great news thanks for keeping us informed!
Please bring back OLIVERS !!!!
What about the Cottage?
Any news on the Salty Crab?
So excited for the opening of Sol Tequila!!! We have been waiting patiently for this good news!! 🌮😋❤️
On the South End of the Island, from my perspective, I believe it is a chicken and egg scenario that is at play. As more full-time and part-time residents return the restaurants will be incentivized to return. There is no incentive for the restaurants to open if they can’t make money.
Build the pier.
1000%
Go whine to LeeCo, who owns the pier, and to USACE, which is taking an absurd amount of time to issue the permit.
Lee Countyul should have it done by 2030! They are the most incompetent government organization I have ever see! They just approved funding for the design process! They rape this island for property tax and basically provide no service! Library and Fire are separate on your tax bill!
Expect the tax bill to sky rocket unless that tax bill gets approved by Florida voters in November.