The Emergence of New Restaurants

Some of the newcomers to the Naples and Bonita Springs area include Buca di Beppo, Aqua Grille, Bob Evans, Sanibel Steakhouse, Starbucks, Romano’s Macaroni Grille, Atlanta Bread Company, Bruster’s Ice Cream, Stonewood Grill and PF Chang’s. Starbucks is particularly active, planning to open as many as ten units in the area over the next few years. Look for the first Naples Starbucks at the Gateway Shopping Center (US 41 and Golden Gate Parkway) in September.

Existing Restaurants Expand

Additional growth within the local market sector comes from chains that already have operations in the area, which adds units to accommodate the expanding population. These restaurants include Houlihan’s, First Watch, Applebee’s, Silver Spoon, Outback Steakhouse, Carrabba’s and Perkins. Like Starbucks, Silver Spoon, with an original location in the Waterside Shops, recently opened a second restaurant at the Gateway Shopping Center this summer, replacing veteran L&N Seafood. Fast food chains are also continuing to add locations. McDonald’s, for example, will soon open a new location at the Strand Shopping Center (Immokalee Road and I-75 intersection).

Continuing Challenges

One issue that continues to create problems for these new and existing chains is the local labor force. The demographic composition of our area that attracts restaurants also creates a challenging labor situation. Retirees and high-level employees fuel the Collier boom, not waiters, waitresses and cooks.

Positive Projections

Despite the employment challenges, there is not likely to be a slow-down in local restaurant growth. Several national concepts without a presence in Naples are studying the market or scouting locations, while existing operations constantly evaluate the feasibility of additional units.

What’s for dinner… or breakfast and lunch for that matter? With all the choices now available, decisions will be more difficult than years gone by, but one thing’s for sure — the “dining-out” business is alive and well in Naples.

New or Expanding Restaurants

Naples Market

Buca di Beppo — Located on US 41

Aqua Grille — Located in the Waterside Shops

Houlihan’s — Second location on Pine Ridge Road and a third on Davis Boulevard

Bob Evans — Located on Immokalee Road and I-75

Perkins — Under construction on Pine Ridge Road near I-75

Sanibel Steakhouse — Under construction on Vanderbilt Beach Road

Under construction in the Granada Shoppes (Immokalee Rd. and US 41)

Applebee’s

Romano’s Macaroni Grille

Atlanta Bread Company

First Watch

PF Chang’s

Bonita Market

Sanibel Steakhouse — Located north of Bonita Beach Road

Outback Steakhouse — Located across from Bonita Bay

Carrabba’s — Located across from Bonita Bay

David J. Stevens, CCIM is a principal with Grubb & Ellis|IPC, a full-service commercial real estate company serving southwest Florida.