Fort Myers’ Tilted Kilt closes abruptly

FORT MYERS, Fla – The Irish pub just off U.S. 41 in Fort Myers announced they’re closing their doors this New Year.

The franchise posted the news on their Facebook page, saying business over the last 12 months has declined, and they cannot afford to continue running.

General manager Steve Jacoby tells WINK News “we are simply a victim of not enough sales, to support an operation of that size.”

The 12,000-square-foot building has proven to be a challenge to keep up with, according to Jacoby.

The building was known as the old Dwyer’s castle before 2011. Then, it became a Ballyorney’s Irish Pub, but only stayed in business for two years.

Managing partner Brad Maloney spoke out in January 2013, when Ballyorney’s was also forced to shut down, saying he had heard rumors about the location, but hoped they would beat the odds.

“We gave it our best shot,” said Maloney. “I was warned by many locals of the “Curse of the Castle,” that no restaurant had ever made it at that location, but we really thought with our brand and experience, we could make it work. The pub is probably the best building in all of South Florida, but it’s just not affordable.”

In March of 2013, Tilted Kilt bought the location, and is now shutting down less than two years later.

Some locals say despite the reputation of the location, they believed Tilted Kilt had potential.

“I don’t know the reasons, but in the last few years I’ve seen maybe three different businesses come and go from the building,” said resident Richard Wynn.

The franchise says however, they hope this will only be temporary. The owners are looking at numerous options to reopen the business with a new name, concept and renovations.

“It’s disappointing, but hopefully something else good will come in to replace it,” said Kathy Houghs, who lives on Sanibel island.

The closure also means Belushi’s Comedy Club is also out of business for now.

For now, all scheduled comedy shows at Belushi’s are cancelled and refunds for any advance ticket sales have been issued.

Another local comedy bar, Laugh- In Comedy, will also be honoring tickets purchased for shows at Belushi’s for the month of January.

Customers will be allowed to see any show this month when they present a ticket for a show at Belushi’s.