Tim Aten Knows: Shake Shack doubling down in Naples

Q: Can you tell me what is going into the Pollo Tropical that closed on Restaurant Row? – Jennifer Evans, Naples  

Q: I was curious if you knew or heard any update about the Shake Shack in Mercato. I'm super excited about it, and I love your work as well! Thanks! – Lorenzo Ferro, Naples  

A: Shake Shack is shaking up the fast-casual dining scene in the Naples area. Before the first one even opens in our area, the region’s second Shake Shack is planned for the Pollo Tropical drive-thru space that closed two years ago in Restaurant Row Naples. 

The targeted opening for Shake Shack at 6833 Collier Blvd. is the third or fourth quarter of 2026, said Katz & Associates Vice President David Eggnatz; he represented the seller, The W Companies and Predesco Property Investments, during the transaction this summer. When the former Pollo Tropical launched in October 2016, the more than 3,700-square-foot drive-thru was the first eatery to open in Restaurant Row Naples, which fronts Collier Boulevard just north of its intersection with U.S. 41 East. 

Meanwhile, the first Shake Shack in the region is preparing to open at Mercato in North Naples. Although a lot of interest exists for its opening date, “by the end of the year” is the most specific information available at this point. Known for serving elevated versions of American fast-food classics, Shake Shack will open in a new 3,000-square-foot unit at 9105 Strada Place, Suite 3135, a retail unit that last hosted the Hand & Harvest Artisan Market and previously was home to Charming Charlie women’s fashion store.   

In addition to handspun milkshakes, Shake Shack’s made-to-order menu includes the ShackBurger, a single or double quarter-pound cheeseburger made with an Angus beef blend; flat-top dogs, crinkle-cut fries and frozen custard.  

Since 2010, when Shake Shack opened its first restaurant outside the New York City area in Miami Beach’s South Beach, the fast-growing chain has opened 25 in Florida, including locations in Sarasota and Tampa on the Gulf Coast. The majority of its Florida locations are in the Miami and Orlando areas. Following the opening of more than 75 locations worldwide last year, the chain anticipates opening more than 80 this year. 

Before Shake Shack opens at Mercato, Violí taverna-style Greek restaurant will launch in early November in the former longtime space of Bravo Italian Kitchen adjacent to the mixed-use center’s recent expansion and transformation of its central Piazza. 

Ristorante redo 

Q: Will BiCE be closing? I do not see any work or renovations being done off season. Did this establishment change owners? Will it reopen under another name? I have gift certificates for BiCE. Will these certificates still be valid when they’re open? Please advise. – Kathy DeTeso, Naples  

A: BiCE Ristorante owner Stefano Frittella assures that the longtime Italian restaurant will reopen soon with the same name after extensive interior renovations on the southeast corner of Fifth Avenue South and Third Street South in downtown Naples.  

New furnishings being imported from Europe will arrive soon and BiCE is targeted to reopen around Thanksgiving or the first week in December at its renovated space in The Landmark Building at 300 Fifth Ave. S., Frittella said. 

“It is under construction,” he said. “All the furniture will arrive in the Port of Miami on the 5th of November. We are just one or two weeks away.” 

Peering inside the ground-floor restaurant’s windows reveals that the interior space remains mostly gutted. Extensive work still needs to be completed before the restaurant can reopen this year. 

“This work consists of a cosmetic and mechanical interior tenant fit-out,” reads the description for BiCE’s addition/alteration permit issued Sept. 10 by the city of Naples. “The suite shall receive new selected finishes and new millwork in front of house. New lighting fixtures will be provided throughout.” 

BiCE’s website and social media notes that a new era awaits the local restaurant, which temporarily closed June 1 for a complete transformation “that honors our rich legacy while embracing a bold, elegant future. 

“After 20 wonderful years, the time has come to reimagine the home of BiCE Ristorante. … This renovation is more than a refresh. It is a rebirth — crafted with the same passion, hospitality and timeless charm that have made BiCE Ristorante a beloved Naples icon.” 

Meanwhile, Frittella’s La Salière Naples restaurant is scheduled for a soft opening Nov. 7 in the former space of The Bevy at 360 12th Ave. S., he said. The new Italian restaurant’s menu will mirror the original La Salière that Frittella owns and operates in Monaco.   

“La Salière was my first restaurant in Monte Carlo in 1982,” he said. 

For the moment, Frittella doesn’t plan changes at his other Fifth Avenue South restaurants — Caffé Milano, La Trattoria and Vergina. He said he has enough irons in the fire with opening La Salière, reopening Bice and planning for Casa Avenue 31, which will be part of a mixed-use redevelopment project on Fifth Avenue South. 

The Tim Aten Knows weekly column answers local questions from readers. Email Tim at Tim.Aten@NaplesPress.com.