Over 20 Lee County Restaurants Forced to Close Permanently in 2023

In 2023, a total of 21 restaurants in Lee County closed their doors. Among them was Big Storm Brewing, which had recently moved into the space previously occupied by Big Blue in Cape Coral before suddenly closing. The Chicago Beef Guy, a Chicago-style restaurant, also closed after moving to a larger location in 2017. Doc Ford’s, a Rum Bar & Grille on Captiva Island, did not reopen after the closure. The Doughnut Station, a Fort Myers shop, permanently closed in May after opening in 2022. Dutch-Way Café, a Pennsylvania Dutch-flavored restaurant in Fort Myers, closed a few months after its May opening. Duval Street, a Cape Coral restaurant, closed after operating for three-plus years. The Gathering Place, a beloved eatery on Beacon Boulevard, closed after nine years but reopened as Shawn & Tony’s Kitchen in the same Fort Myers location. House of Pasta & Piano Bar, an authentic northern Italian restaurant in Fort Myers, closed in September after opening in June 2019. I Heart Mac & Cheese, a fast-casual restaurant near Cape Coral High School, closed less than eight months after opening but is expected to reopen under new ownership. I Ragazzi, a Cape Coral pizza place, closed suddenly in May after 16 years. Ichiyummy Sushi & Hibachi, an all-you-can-eat restaurant in Cape Coral, opened in late 2016 but eventually closed. Joe Schmoe’s, a Del Prado restaurant that took over the spot vacated by The Chicago Beef Guy, closed shortly after opening in July. Life: The Vegan Drive Thru, a vegan restaurant in Cape Coral, closed for good after operating for 3.5 years. Mitchell’s Bar-B-Q, which took over the Sonny’s BBQ space on Winkler Road in 2021, announced its closing in September. PJ’s Coffee of New Orleans, a Cape Coral coffee shop, closed four months after opening due to franchise differences. Plaka on the Beach, a popular Greek restaurant on Fort Myers Beach, never reopened after Hurricane Ian and was permanently closed with the land up for sale. Poppa Don’s, a deli and catering business in Cape Coral, closed in April after opening in May 2022. Rosy Tomorrows Heritage Farm, a farm and restaurant in North Fort Myers, was sold according to a September newsletter from the owner. Sip & Dine, a casual fine dining restaurant in downtown Cape Coral, closed in May after operating for a year. Stillwater Grille, known for its Midwest hospitality, closed suddenly in May after 10 years. Uva Vino & Tapas, a Portuguese-flavored tapas and wine restaurant near