Restaurant boom adds unique choices and promotes SWFL economy

New restaurants in Southwest Florida are bringing exciting choices to the area. One of the new restaurants opening soon this holiday season is creating a lot of buzz.

The American Grilled Cheese Kitchen recently opened in south Fort Myers.

“People are very excited about the concept. We’ve had some visitors come back six times,” Brown-Cestero said.

The grilled cheese kitchen opened its doors last month. Brown-Cestero said it offers something new to Southwest Florida.

“One of the things we’re trying to do or I’m trying to do in particular is get away from the national chains and bring more unique food that’s unique to the area,” Brown-Cestero said.

Michelle and Eddie Nobles opened Divine Donuts on Thanksgiving Day.

“It actually turned out really well because a lot of restaurants were closed,” Michelle said. “So, we had a lot of people that were looking for a place for breakfast and had probably 60 or so people that stopped in the first day.”

Colleen Depasquale is president of the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce. She said the restaurant boom is really good for Southwest Florida bringing new job opportunities.

“Who doesn’t think that going out to dinner is a two-hour mini vacation?” Depasquale said. “So coming down here they’re giving us these choices that maybe we haven’t even had. So, it’s time. This area is ready for some change.”