Fort Myers Beach is about to welcome something it hasn’t seen on the south end of the island since Hurricane Ian, an all-new sit-down restaurant.
Lenyo’s Italian Kitchen is preparing to open in early December, and locals say it’s a significant step in the island’s comeback.
Inside what will soon be Lenyo’s Italian Kitchen, crews are racing to finish the final touches.
“Very excited. I can’t wait. I’m here on a Sunday, late, trying to push the guys. We’re working around the clock, trying to make things happen, hopefully December 1, the first week of December,” said owner Massimo Maffei.
Maffei said Fort Myers Beach was the perfect spot for the restaurant, located right across from the sand and surrounded by locals eager for something new.
“You can’t beat, you got the beach right across the street. Got beautiful local people all over the place,” said Maffei.
He added that customers can expect more than just a meal.
“The food, the ambience, the bar, especially this by how big it is. We’re going to have exciting things here. We’re going to have bands here, lot of entertainment,” said Maffei.
The opening marks a major milestone for the town as it is the first restaurant to open up on the south end since Hurricane Ian hit three years ago.
“We are so hungry for their Italian food. The people on the south end are so excited, and we welcome them with open arms,” said Jim Atterholt, vice mayor of Fort Myers Beach.
With season crowds growing, leaders say having dining options nearby is crucial.
“They are the first one, so kudos to them. But they have another sister restaurant just to store away, called Over Easy Cafe, that will be open soon, and that looks wonderful, more of a breakfast, lunch cafe type place. And then the old South Beach is coming back on in Santini Plaza as well, which is a long-time favorite. But all these places are going to be packed once they get open,” said Atterholt.
Lenyo’s Italian Kitchen aims to open in the first week of December.