New Fort Myers burger joint and sweet deals in Cape lead this week's restaurant news

Fort Myers is about to get a new burger joint unlike any other.

Florida Boy Burger Co. is bringing the wow factor to its completely redone space in the Starbucks-anchored plaza on Colonial Boulevard, just west of Fowler Street.

“I want people to say this place looks amazing,” said chef Dominick Cioffi, a co-owner along with his brother Louis Cioffi and Roger Lolly ( Floridaboyinc on Instagram). “And I want them to say we hit it out of the park with our food and service.”

They're well on their way to achieving both.

The former Maverick Grille site is immersed in old Florida. From unfinished wood and corrugated metal to an oversized fish tank and stuffed gators and a rattlesnake, the restaurant pays homage to the state’s cattle-driven past.

The theme continues throughout the bold and flavorful menu.

There you’ll find apps of frog legs, wings, crab fritters and more, plus salads, loaded crispy fries, creative sandwiches from pulled pork to birria grilled cheese, desserts, and milkshakes (including cereal ones!).

“Every pickle, every jam is house-made,” Dominick said. “I’m having fun with the menu, with the meats. We’re not doing seafood. It’s gourmet burgers, culinary-driven, with steaks, tomahawks for sure. I’m doing things no one else is.”

We believe him.

Just look at his 14 signature burgers, topped with alligator sausage, blackened crabmeat, beer-battered lobster, blueberry jam and peanut butter, BBQ pork and more.

“Everything is made with love, made with passion,” Dominick said. “I enjoy what I do and don’t see it as a job. I see it like a fun hobby.”

He’s learned at some of the best restaurants around — Nevermind, Rosy Tomorrows, Table & Tap, Crave and Sage on 47th.

Florida Boy Burger Co. will officially open on Monday, July 29.

But if you can’t wait to check it out, head over there between 5-10 p.m. Thursday, July 25, for the one-day soft opening.

“The doors will be unlocked for anyone to come on in,” Dominick said. “Bring it on. We’re ready.”

We might just see you there.

Florida Boy Burger Co., 4480 Fowler St., Unit 110, Fort Myers; (239) 245-7145; hours as of Monday, July 29, will be 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday to Thursday, 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. for brunch menu only on Sunday; follow on Facebook for more.

Cuban Family Restaurant

This fast-casual breakfast and lunch Cuban restaurant opened two months ago in the former Kreips & Juices spot in Chandelle Square off Del Prado Boulevard in Cape Coral. Most everything in Yoandrys Pinto’s restaurant is made in-house. Breakfast items include American (two eggs, toast, bacon, cupcake and coffee) and continental (two eggs, fruit, toast, yogurt and coffee) for $7.99 each and omelets ($7.50), fresh juices, fruit-based milkshakes and coffees.

Lunch brings $8.50 sandwiches (think Cuban, steak, croquette, pork and more), $12.50 rice bowls, $12.50 combinations (pork ribs, roast pork Cuban style, shredded beef, beef fajitas, beef stew, grilled chicken breast and more) and paella. Guava, cheese and meat pastries are also offered for $2.25 each.

Cuban Family Restaurant, 1127 Del Prado Blvd., Unit C, Cape Coral; open at 9 a.m. Monday to Saturday; (239) 574-8085; follow on Instagram

Two sweet deals

Sage on 47th: One of our favorite restaurants celebrates Christmas in July with a gift card promotion and special cocktails. Buy $100 in gift cards and get $50 free from July 25-31. Get them (and special crafty Christmas cocktails ) at  1015 SE 47th Terrace, Cape Coral or call (239) 542-0200 for more information .

Zirilli’s Chilly Treats: Customers have been lining up Tuesdays to get $2 gelati. Tuesday, July 30, is your last chance to get this sweet offer (complete with a pretzel) at 814 SW Pine Island Road, Cape Coral; (239) 573-1590. Go to zirillisice.com or follow on Facebook

Coming to Cape Coral

Clase Azul Modern Mexican Cuisine’s banner is up. It’s expected to bring authentic Mexican flavors in a modern setting when it opens in IchiYummy Sushi & Hibachi’s former spot at 3922 Del Prado Blvd. S in Cape Coral. Follow on Facebook for updates.

Prime Time Bar's banner touts food, spirits and sports at The Lion’s Den Bar and Grill’s previous spot in Cape Coral. It’ll be in Chandelle Square at 1127 Del Prado Blvd. S, Units A & B, next to the newly opened Cuban Family Restaurant.

Share this free newsletter with friends and have them sign up at profile.news-press.com/newsletters/manage/ . Robyn George is a food and dining reporter for The News-Press. Connect at rhgeorge@fortmyer.gannett.com

This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: New Fort Myers burger joint and sweet deals in Cape lead this week's restaurant news