Views of the ribbon cutting ceremony for Sweet Melissa’s Restaurant, marking the arrival of their new home location on Summerlin Road. -DAVID WISHTISCHIN / FLORIDA WEEKLY
On Thursday August 6, 2026, Sweet Melissa’s Restaurant celebrated its relocation to Fort Myers and its new membership in the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce with a ribbon-cutting event. The chef-driven, farm-to-table restaurant welcomed local leaders, chamber members and media to experience the dining destination firsthand.
James Beard Award nominee and Food Network alumna Chef Melissa Donahue greeted guests with light refreshments and delicious hors d’oeuvres. Since relocating from Sanibel following Hurricane Ian in 2022, Sweet Melissa’s has become a cornerstone of the Fort Myers dining scene and the ribbon cutting marked a formal celebration of its growth and ongoing commitment to the Southwest Florida community.
Sweet Melissa’s Executive Sous-Chef Thomas Juneau and Executive Chef Melissa Donahue. -DAVID WISHTISCHIN / FLORIDA WEEKLY
Holly Boldrin, Stefanie Ink and Teri Hansen. -DAVID WISHTISCHIN / FLORIDA WEEKLY
John Lai and Kelly Thawley. -DAVID WISHTISCHIN / FLORIDA WEEKLY
John Schroder, Michele Hoover, Jen Whyte and Rob Whyte. -DAVID WISHTISCHIN / FLORIDA WEEKLY
Nancy MacPhee and Katie Damminger. -DAVID WISHTISCHIN / FLORIDA WEEKLY
Summer Hammond and Kayla King. -DAVID WISHTISCHIN / FLORIDA WEEKLY
Jade Nakonetschny, Alex Bustamante and Aaron Walton. -DAVID WISHTISCHIN / FLORIDA WEEKLY
Albert Ferraro, Iris Serrano, Michael Stark and Russell Zimny. -DAVID WISHTISCHIN / FLORIDA WEEKLY
Sweet Melissa’s Restaurant is located at 16230 Summerlin Road, Fort Myers. -DAVID WISHTISCHIN / FLORIDA WEEKLY
Views of the ribbon cutting ceremony for Sweet Melissa’s Restaurant, marking the arrival of their new home location on Summerlin Road. -DAVID WISHTISCHIN / FLORIDA WEEKLY