It’s a busy time of year throughout Southwest Florida and the local dining scene is no exception.
Here are 10 of the latest happenings, starting with recent openings …
Street Wok
This Asian flavored food truck is the newest addition to Slipaway Food Truck Park in Cape Coral. It’s owned by Andreas Visilias, whose Lobster Chef food truck is parked one space over. Early best-sellers include Mongolian beef (served with lo mein or jasmine or fried rice) and crab rangoon with a sweet chili sauce. You’ll also find egg rolls, bao bun (pork belly or fried chicken), dumplings, General Tso’s chicken, tonkotsu ramen, orange chicken and pork belly Korean BBQ on the menu. “Everything is made fresh,” Visilias said. “We don’t buy anything already made.” Slipaway is located at 1811 Cape Coral Parkway.
Chop It Up
After leaving Slipaway on Jan. 1, the couple behind this food truck opened a brick-and-mortar on Jan. 31. Corrina Hohl and Evan Cassell’s Chop It Up Sandwiches can now be found inside Oasis Outdoors (previously Sunflower Market) off Hancock Bridge Parkway in North Fort Myers. Sandwiches are made with a twist — all the ingredients are combined, chopped into small pieces, and then placed into the bread or wrap. “You get the best of everything in each bite,” Hohl said. “You taste it all in every bite.” Signature sandwiches, available in half and whole sizes, include Chiago-style Italian, The Crunchwich (ham, turkey, bacon, sharp cheddar and more, with a homemade tangy chipotle aioli), Blazin’ Chicken (chicken, pepperoni, bacon, sharp cheddar and more with a homemade buffalo ranch aioli), BLT, Basil Pesto and The Hoosier (turkey, chicken, bacon, pepperoni and more in an original sweet cranberry aioli). Salads, like chicken and macaroni, and their popular banana pudding are also on the menu. Eat in or get it to go at 1001 Palm Ave., Suite 1, North Fort Myers; (239) 628-2775; chopitupsandwiches.com or follow on Facebook
Chuck Lager Legendary Kitchen
Celebrity chef and Food Network regular Fabio Viviani’s concept has come to Southwest Florida. The upscale casual dining restaurant opened near Gulf Coast Town Center in Chili’s former space off Alico Road. Its menu is loaded with elevated classics, including house-smoked wings, Fabio’s award-winning meatballs, eight flatbreads (with a steakhouse Philly and hot honey hustle among them), soups & salads, tacos, handhelds (like Chuck’s legendary grilled cheese and chicken & waffles), pastas, burgers and fish, steak and chicken entrees. That variety continues in the selection of craft bourbons and beers. Find it all at 9980 University Plaza Drive, Fort Myers; open daily at 11 a.m.; chucklager.com or on Facebook
Aroma Joe’s
This popular New England-based chain has brought its signature energy drinks, handcrafted coffees and customer-focused service to Cape Coral. After quietly opening off Del Prado Boulevard earlier this month, its grand opening is set for March 2. Signature AJ’s Rush energy drinks are the franchise’s best-seller and come in a whirlwind of flavors — from Beach Bum (coconut, peach, and pineapple) to Green Alien (green apple and blue raspberry). Create your own with a wide range of fruit flavors or opt for a coffee (latte, mocha, macchiato, Americano, cappuccino), hot chocolate, chai or tea, cold brew, lemonade, handcrafted soda, frojoe or smoothie. On the food side, you’ll find bagels, hash brown bites, breakfast sandwiches, muffins, pretzels and more. Check it out at 4320 Del Prado Blvd.; open 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily; (239) 257-1295; aromajoes.com and on Facebook
Fat Tony’s
This new pizza joint off Six Mile Cypress Parkway in Fort Myers will hold its grand opening on Feb. 18. Expect free samples, live music, a ribbon cutting and much more. Located in Cypress Woods Plaza, this small but mighty shop has been dishing out New York and Sicilian-style pies since opening late last year. Large slices are available all day, as are appetizers (Noona’s meatballs, burrata and prosciutto, caprese plate and fly-off-the-shelves garlic knots), salads, paninis, a few pasta favorites (like Sunday gravy and meatballs) and a couple of subs. Specialty pies — from Genovese (a layer of pesto topped with mozzarella, grilled chicken and sun-dried tomatoes) to the Ultimate Buffalo (Wisconsin mozzarella, fire-grilled chicken, smoked bacon, Habanero wing sauce, buttermilk ranch and green onion) — come in small, large and extra large. Large and stuffed-to-the-brim strombolis and calzones ($15-$16) are popular options. Beer and wine are available. Dine in or take out at 9390 Six Mile Cypress Parkway, Fort Myers; (239) 990-6967; fattonyspizzeria.com or on Facebook
Dutch Bros.
Southwest Florida got its first taste of this fast-growing, friendly and fun coffee chain when a location opened off San Carlos Boulevard in Fort Myers. The drive-thru spot offers specialty coffee, smoothies, teas, freezes, lemonade, an exclusive Dutch Bros Rebel energy drink and Nitro Cold Brew coffee. It’s located at 11556 Majestic Palms Blvd., Fort Myers. A second one is coming soon to 1605 SE 26th St. — just off Del Prado Boulevard in Cape Coral. Stay tuned to dutchbros.com for more.
41 Bagels
This new bagel shop has been getting good reviews since opening at 20461 S. Tamiami Trail in Estero. It features bagels baked fresh daily, cream cheese spreads and classic breakfast and brunch sandwiches – from ham, egg and cheese to pastrami to nova lux (smoked salmon, cream cheese, red onion, tomato and capers). Egg, chicken and tuna salad are available too, as are other assorted pastries. Call (239) 319-5101 or follow on Facebook for more.
Coming soon
Resurgence Brewing: This Buffalo-based brewery is expected in south Fort Myers this month and we can’t wait. In addition to the 25,000-square-foot taproom and full-service restaurant, there will also be an outdoor beer garden with two outdoor/indoor bars. The taproom at 6160 Exchange Lane in Fort Myers will feature air-conditioned indoor seating and covered patio with fans. There will be a space for private parties and small banquets, too. Food-wise, expect Buffalo favorites like chicken wings and beef on weck, plus flavors unique to Southwest Florida. There will also be a wide selection of Resurgence Brewing craft beers, Blackbird Cider Works ciders, and a full bar. The highly anticipated opening will come more than a year after a groundbreaking ceremony was held in summer 2024. For updates, go to resurgencebrewing.com or follow on Facebook
Anarchy Ale Works: We can’t wait for this family-owned and operated brewery to open in Alva. And according to its latest social media post, that will be any day. When it debuts at 21450 Palm Beach Blvd., expect house-brewed craft beers, an indoor wine truck with a 12-bottle dispenser, games and more. Add in live music and food trucks on the weekends. It’ll be family and pet-friendly too. Follow on Facebook for more…