All-new Coconut Jack’s brings a breath of fresh air to Bonita Beach
Recently celebrating its third week open to the public, Coconut Jack’s, 5370 Bonita Beach Road, has been welcomed with open arms to the Bonita Beach and Fort Myers Beach public, offering fresh food and a fresh, tropical atmosphere to the south end of the island.
“I love this area, I love this place. Everyone has been so great and so welcoming,” said co-owner Brad Lewis, along with Melissa Floyd and head-chef John Venuto. “We’ve been driving by the property for the last year or so, and was glad to hear it was for sale. Since then, we completed renovated the place, giving it a very open, tropical feel, with a very relaxed and casual atmosphere.”
Brad’s right. The old Vincenzo’s building was completely gutted for more than four months, from the floors to the ceiling, with plenty of friends and family chipping in helping hands along the way.
And, although everything’s brand new, the crew was able to also “go green,” stripping and reusing the wood from the previous dock as wood paneling throughout the dining room and bar, giving the establishment a very nautical feel.
Upon entering the new restaurant, patrons are engulfed with a very clean and fresh, tropical ambiance, from the soothing waterfall wall accents to the bright and ornate artwork.
Those sitting at the full bar can enjoy the one-of-a-kind bar top that looks and feels like you’re dining on a slab of natural geode.
The fabulous tropical atmosphere doesn’t just stay within the establishment. Outside dining is available as well, along the beautiful back bay, with shade provided by the hand-built Seminole Indian Tribe chickee hut.
And, new docks provide the perfect place for boaters to anchor and stay a while to enjoy the many specials offered on the menu daily.
The food
“Our menu was created with an emphasis on our seafood,” Brad said. “All of it is shipped fresh from local providers. It’s very important for us to keep everything fresh, from our seafood to our vegetables.”
“I truly love our menu,” said award-winning chef John Venuto. “It took me four months to write it. There is something for everyone – seafood, meat, salads, pastas. It’s ‘Carib-Florib’ and all about natural, fresh, tropical dishes. We have a lot of fresh sauces, good homemade-cooked fresh food. There’s a lot of love in every plate. I sincerely love my job.”
“Nothing is pre-bought. We do everything from scratch, by hand,” Brad continued.
Hours to the all-new Coconut Jack’s are 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily, and reservations or call-ahead seating are not accepted at this time. Complimentary valet parking is available.
Live music can be heard Thursdays and Fridays, but Brad and his team plans to offer more soon, as well as special theme nights.
Happy hour is offered from 3 to 6 p.m. Monday to Friday, consisting of slashed spirits all across the bar, and a great kid’s menu is available for the little ones.
As Brad concludes, “We’re being well received by our locals and visitors, and so glad to be open and in business. Come by and see us.”
For more information, call 676-5775.