Tim Aten Knows: SWFL to see expansion of Oar & Iron, Kelly’s Roast Beef

Q: Do you know what is being built in front of Bealls where Old 41 and 41 meet? —Deb Wagner Stratmann, Bonita Springs 

A: The second area location of Kelly’s Roast Beef will join two undisclosed retailers in that multiunit outparcel in the Gateway Shoppes at North Bay on the northwest corner of U.S. 41 and Wiggins Pass Road in North Naples. 

The restaurant franchise group for the Boston-based Kelly’s Roast Beef and Oar & Iron Raw Bar & Grill recently burst out of the gate in Collier and Lee counties with aggressive expansion plans for both dining concepts. RAVentures Hospitality Group recently opened its first area locations of Kelly’s and Oar & Iron at Founders Square in Collier County but the company already plans at least three more area locations of each brand. 

It’s been common over the years for franchisees or restaurant groups with the best of intentions to promise future expansion in the region, but those plans rarely pan out. RAVentures, though, has done more than talk about what it’s going to do. Signs everywhere support its intentions for regional expansion. 

At least three other Oar & Iron casual upscale restaurants and three other Kelly’s Roast Beef drive-thru locations are planned in the region. 

The Fort Myers location is under construction and targeted to open this summer, Dion said, near a planned SpringHill Suites, an all-suite hotel brand operated by Marriott International. Kelly’s Roast Beef will be in another freestanding building about 200 yards away near Interstate 75 and Colonial Boulevard. 

“We’ve got another (Oar & Iron) coming to Naples which I know we’re focused on over by the Coastland mall near the Macy’s there. We’re going to have a 6,000-square-foot standalone right in front of there. As well, we’re looking for some more pieces of real estate in Florida. We’re sticking on the west coast for now.” 

The hospitality team also plans an Oar & Iron in Babcock Ranch. “That most likely will end up being early next year—or it could be late this year—but most likely early next year,” he said. 

Founded in 1951 in Revere, Massachusetts, Kelly’s Roast Beef is known for its roast beef sandwiches, lobster rolls and fried seafood. The first Kelly’s Roast Beef on the Gulf Coast opened in The Square at University Town Center in Sarasota, followed by one in South Pasadena near St. Pete Beach. The third one opened last fall in Founders Square.  

The next area Kelly’s is targeted to open this summer in a new outparcel building along U.S. 41 just north of Wiggins Pass Road in the Gateway Shoppes at North Bay. The shell has been completed and a “coming soon” sign is in the window for Kelly’s, which will have a drive-thru on the northern end of the building. Expect others in Fort Myers and in East Naples, near the Collier County Government Center. 

“We’ve got one coming probably in a year or so from now over on Airport-Pulling in Naples, which will be exciting,” Dion said. “So, it’s going very well.” 

The first Oar & Iron has been well received at Founders Square.  

“It’s been very, very good. Business has been strong. A lot of people coming in,” Dion said. “We made the bar larger here. Happy hours are very popular in Florida. People love to sit at the bar.” 

“We decided that we want to bring something similar to Florida but make it make it more Florida-like. So, we brought in some nautical colors. We’ve got the turquoises, we’ve got the blues, lighter colors at the bar, lighter millwork. It’s a similar layout to 110, but different colors.” 

Differences also are apparent in their menu, which entirely is available gluten-free. 

“So, 110 Grill is more comfort food, pertaining to the menu. The Oar & Iron menu is enhanced a bit,” Dion said. “We took some 110 favorites like the Chicken Caprese parm; it’s plated a little bit differently.” 

The Chicken Caprese entree features lightly fried seasoned chicken breast, fresh mozzarella, basil, roasted tomato, nut-free pesto, artisan greens, shaved parmesan and a balsamic reduction. 

Another enhancement is more outdoor space in the Sunshine State. 

“We have a large patio over there that we’re going to do live entertainment on which opens into the restaurant,” Dion said. “Very exciting. We’re just thrilled to be here.” 

The “Tim Aten Knows” weekly column answers local questions from readers. Email Tim attim.aten@naplespress.com.