Fort Myers restaurant owner to be remembered at public gathering

Family and friends will gather Sunday to remember a beloved Fort Myers restaurant owner.

Tim Mankin, the face behind BurgerQue, died in a crash last year in Texas, along with three others. He was 50.

Millennial Brewing will reflect on his legacy and honor a pillar in the restaurant community.

Mankin opened up his first BurgerQue in 2011 at the corner of South Cleveland Avenue and Oakley Avenue in Fort Myers. It quickly became a favorite for burgers and slow-smoked ribs and brisket, but it also showed off Mankin’s passion for cooking.

His friends say he was the kind of guy who was always there to lend a helping hand, and on Sunday, they’ll remember his love for food and willingness to help others.

There will be a gathering at Millennial Brewing Company in Fort Myers at 5 p.m. Sunday. Anyone is welcome, and it will be a potluck for all who attend, so feel free to bring a dish, photos of Mankin, and fond memories.

“Tim was a huge part of the Southwest Florida community. I mean, outside of just owning BurgerQue and owning that place that so many people loved and gathered, he was out in the community doing so much. The number of events he did here where he came and either donated his time or donated food or anything, he was just always willing to do what he could do to try to help,” said Kyle Cebull, owner of Millennial Brewing Company.

Cebull says Mankin spent a good deal of time at the brewery, whether it was to sell food from his food truck or enjoy a good drink. He considered Mankin a good friend.

A former BurgerQue employee and friend of Mankin’s will be at Millennial on Sunday to cook – BurgerQue style. The event lasts until 8 p.m. Millennial is located at 1811 Royal Palm Avenue.