A new restaurant is rolling onto Pine Island later this summer. Kickstands Pub & Grub will take over Fine Swine’s former spot just south of the island’s center on Stringfellow Road in St. James City.
“We’re going to try to open at the end of July, beginning of August,” said Sheila Breech, the co-owner along with her husband David. “It’ll be a bar and restaurant. We’ll have a band on weekends once or twice a month.”
The couple are motorcycle enthusiasts and hope to bring their passion to the new venture.
“We would love it to become a motorcycle destination,” Breech said. “We want motorcyclists to come, relax, have fun and eat some food. We will pave half the parking lot for motorcycles.”
On the menu?
“It’ll be American food, casual dining,” Breech added. “Barbecue, sliders, pizza, subs, wings and a dinner menu. We will bake our own bread for subs, make the pizza dough, cut our own fries. There will be beer and wine.”
David is no stranger to the restaurant business. His family owned and operated Rofini’s in Columbus, Ohio, since the late 1950s.
The couple has big plans for their new family-oriented space.
“An outside tiki is coming,” Sheila said. “It’ll be off the front — off the east side and around to the south side. We’ll open before it’s done though.”
While the freshly painted bright orange side of the building is an eye-catcher, the inside has been repainted from orange to beige, “a nice earth tone.”
“It’s been a long journey,” said Breech, who signed a lease in January. “We’re getting there.”
Follow Kickstands Pub & Grub on Facebook for the latest updates.
Walk On’s
The flavors of Louisiana are heading to Cape Coral. A ground-breaking ceremony for this Cajun-inspired sports bistreaux was held June 20 at 1127 SW Pine Island Road. Curran Young Construction will build franchise owner Len Lemmer’s 8,900-square-foot restaurant across from Stevie Tomato’s Sports Page. It’s expected to open in the spring of 2025.
"We're confident it will become a go-to spot for residents and visitors alike, with more locations on the horizon," director of operations Tyler Lemmer said in a news release.
With 78 locations in 15 states (including six in Florida), Walk-On’s was founded in 2003 by Louisiana State basketball walk-ons Jack Warner and Brandon Landry. Former NFL quarterback Drew Brees is a co-owner in the company, while franchisees include Dak Prescott, Derrick Brooks and football coach Dabo Swinney.
Walk-On’s is known for its scratch-made food, wall-to-wall TVs, plus craft beer and cocktails, in a fun and family-friendly environment. Its wide-ranging menu includes starters (from gumbo and fried gator to boudin balls) tacos & wraps, sandwiches, salads, Louisiana classics (think crawfish etouffee and catfish, shrimp and redfish dishes), burgers, poboys and more.
"We love to build restaurants because they are places where our team, friends and family can enjoy long after it's been built,” Chris Curran, CEO of Curran Young Construction, said in the news release. "With the menu and family atmosphere of Walk-On's, we know this is going to be wildly successful and we are thrilled to be part of it."
Go to walk-ons.com
Oahu Fresh Bowls
A Fort Myers location of Mike Cardascia’s popular Naples-based superfood café held a soft opening Friday, June 28. The fast-casual Hawaiian eatery in Palm Pointe Shoppes is just south of Page Field on Cleveland Avenue. Customers will get 50 percent off bowls now until the July 5 grand opening. To celebrate the official grand opening, the first 100 customers on Friday the 5th will receive one free acai for a year (one bowl per month).
Oahu is known for its poke bowls, burritos, acai soft serve, boba and more. Flaming Hot Cheetos Poké Burrito and the divine Berry Divine Organic Soft Serve Acai are just two of the popular signature items.
Hours in Fort Myers are 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. 11621 S. Cleveland Ave., Suite 20, Fort Myers; (239) 331-2200; oahufreshbowls.com and Facebook for updates.
Jack’s Bar & Eatery
This month-old biker-themed restaurant is the latest to occupy the northeast corner of Hancock Bridge Parkway and Hunter Boulevard near Kurt Donaldson Community Park in North Fort Myers. It’s in the former home of Perico’s, K’ Rico’s, Tropical Tiki, El Mazorcazo and more. Open daily, Jack’s daytime menu features starters (wings, tacos, nachos and more), salads, wraps and pitas, burgers, sandwiches, signature loaded tots, and entrees from steaks to seafood. The late-night menu is appetizer, sandwich and tots focused. The covered, open-air outdoor area features a spacious bar, plenty of TVs and ice cold drinks. Another bar is located inside the expansive dining room. There’s a game room too. 2401 Hancock Bridge Parkway, North Fort Myers; (239) 257-1685; jacksbars.com
La Taperia Mediterranean Cuisine
After Tamara Gonzales and her husband Marcos Valdes found success with their catering company, La Taperia in Miami, the couple decided to try it on in the Fort Myers area. The couple, who had various restaurants in Spain, paired with Spanish chef Alberto Esteban in this newest venture. Specializing in Mediterranean food like paellas and Spanish tapas, they’re doing small private events for eight or more to begin with. Find their mouthwatering menu on Instagram
Robyn George is a food and dining reporter for The News-Press. Connect at rhgeorge@fortmyers.gannett.com
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