Whether they're in grease-stained paper bags passed through drive-up windows or barbecued beauties topped with pulled pork and coleslaw at waterfront restaurants, I love burgers.
So imagine my delight when I saw a banner fluttering in the wind, announcing Florida Boy Burger Co. was coming soon. My heart fluttered right along with that sign while I sat in traffic on Colonial Boulevard in Fort Myers.
I soon learned Florida Boy Burger Co. will take over Maverick Grille’s former spot in the Starbucks-anchored plaza near the intersection of Fowler Street and Colonial. Chef Dominick Cioffi — who’s worked at Nevermind, Rosy Tomorrows, Table & Tap, Crave and Sage on 47th — will be in the kitchen crafting gourmet burgers and much more with Florida flavor.
Along with his brother Louis Cioffi and Roger Lolly (Floridaboyinc on Instagram), the trio is creating a unique venue that pays homage to Florida’s past.
“When you walk in, it’ll be like walking into the Florida Everglades,” Louis said. “It will feel old Florida in here.”
Dominick’s chef-driven menu will reflect Florida’s cattle industry.
“We’re not doing seafood,” Louis said. “It’s gourmet burgers, culinary-driven, with steak, tomahawks for sure.”
There will also be daily specials, appetizers, salads, sides, desserts and milkshakes (including cereal ones!!!!)
And you can expect an open kitchen, indoor and outdoor seating, a small high-top bar, a history-based vibe and a few cool surprises.
As of now, look for a July opening.
I can’t wait!
Follow Florida Boy Burger Co. on Facebook for updates.
And speaking of signs …
Palace Pub
On April 20, Naomi Biber and Ryan Lay closed the doors to their wine bar’s location in Big John’s Plaza, announcing they would reopen in a new spot.
That new location was revealed recently when their sign went up next door to Nice Guys Pizza on Cape Coral Parkway.
“(Palace Pub) will be the same, except in a 900-square-foot space,” Biber said a week before the scheduled closing. “We want to focus on wine and the wine shop and not so much on the music. It’ll be smaller, cozier.”
After heading to Europe for a bit, the couple will get back to work to get the Palace Pub ready.
“It’s just empty right now,” Biber said. “We will have to build it out.”
When new spot opens “by the end of the year hopefully,” there will be a comfortable bar and wine shop.
We’re excited about what’s coming,” Biber said.
Follow Palace Pub on Instagram and Facebook for the latest.
Mr. Tequila
A banner for the Mexican restaurant is up at the former Stevie Tomato’s Sports Page site in Fort Myers. The fifth local Mr. Tequila location is “coming soon” to the site on Colonial Boulevard that housed Fuzzy’s Taco Shop before Stevie Tomato’s opened in December 2022. It’s been vacant since the sports bar suddenly closed a year later.
Mr. Tequila has three locations in Naples and one in Estero. Go to mrtequilasrestaurant.com
In other foodie news …
Bellini’s
The longtime Captiva favorite that closed two decades ago has a new home in Fort Myers. It opened May 8 in the former site of Stillwater Grille on the northeast corner of McGregor Boulevard and Cypress Lake Drive.
Andrea Mucciga’s fine dining restaurant has two dining rooms, each with pianos and gorgeous bars. There's live music from Monday to Saturday.
The menu — featuring Mediterranean, Italian and world cuisine — has appetizers, soups, salads, dry-aged meats, fresh seafood, pastas and desserts.
Bellini’s, 13451 McGregor Blvd. in Fort Myers, is open 4-9 p.m. Monday to Thursday and 4-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Tapas, at the bars only, is from 4-6 p.m. Go to bellinisfortmyers.com or follow on Facebook and Instagram. Reservations can be made by calling (239) 270-5005.
Taza Café
This quaintly modern breakfast and lunch café quietly opened on April 23. It’s tucked away in the back corner of an unassuming plaza at the junction of Colonial Boulevard and Cleveland Avenue in Fort Myers.
Breakfast is served all day and features a variety of omelets, sandwiches and egg dishes. El Limeno — with fried pork belly (chicharron), sweet potato, red onions and tomatoes — is a best seller. Lunch brings more sandwiches and a whirlwind of choices — Peruvian ham, breaded palomilla steak or chicken, grilled Argentinian chorizo and grilled chicken, picania or eggplant and more.
You’ll also find homemade empanadas and pastries, salads, kids menu and coffees (think Americano, espressos, lagrima), juices and teas.
Hours are 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday to Friday and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
Find it at 4458 Cleveland Ave. in Fort Myers. Call (239) 202-8644 or follow on Instagram.
Rico Café
Elisa Valdes and Yosvani Rodriquez opened this Latin café on May 12, shortly after selling Azucar — their Cuban restaurant in Cape Coral — to downsize.
A few miles north of their previous restaurant on Del Prado Boulevard, Rico Café perfectly fits the bill with a handful of tables lined up around the cozy, completely redone space. It’s in the T.J. Maxx and Planet Fitness-anchored Del Prado Mall.
The breakfast menu has several egg dishes and ham or bacon croissants and sandwiches.
Traditional beef, chicken, pork (think ropa vieja) and seafood dishes are available from lunch on, as are sandwiches, soups, salads, bakery items, coffees and more. Daily specials, like Tuesday’s fried pork with two sides, are very popular and sell out.
Everything is homemade, including the ham & cheese, beef & cheese, chicken & cheese, spinach & cheese and (best-selling) pizza empanadas.
Hours are 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday to Saturday and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday.
It’s at 1404 Del Prado Blvd. S., Suite 140, Cape Coral. Call (239) 242-0714 or find it on Facebook.
Robyn George is a food and dining reporter for The News-Press. Connect at rhgeorge@gannett.com
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