Chamber to hold its annual Tapa Hop Sept. 19
Love the taste options of “small plates?”
The Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce is offering an opportunity to try some new ones with its 17th annual Tapa Hop fundraiser to be held Thursday, Sept. 19.
According to Janeen Paulauskis, funds from the event will go to the Fort Myers Beach Chamber to send back out to the community for schools, or to help out local restaurants during their slow season. Registration begins at 3 p.m at Fish-Tale Waterfront Dining. The event will depart, via trolley, from Santini Marina Plaza at 7205 Estero Blvd. taking participants to seven different Fort Myers Beach restaurants until 10 p.m. where they will be provided with various appetizers or “tapas,” which is included in the $40 ticket price.
The event will also include raffle prizes, a grand prize, and a poker run. This year all the trolley cars will be decorated by their captains as various classic television shows. Tickets are on sale now for FMB Chamber members who can call the office at 239-454-7500. Tickets are limited and will be open to the public on Sept. 5.
Neil VanVlite from Junkanoo, who has been a stop for Tapa Hop previously says it’s a fantastic event.
“People get to familiarize themselves with your place and you get a chance to impress them with your food and your service. Usually everyone comes back asking if you remember them,” he said.
Tiffani Hittler of Fish-Tale Waterfront Dining is expecting a great time, in anticipation of the restaurant’s first time at the event.
“We are excited to be actively participating in the Tapa Hop for the first time. Being a connector in our community is important us. Fish-Tale is a place where folks come together to relax, enjoy great food and drinks, build friendships, celebrate special occasions and create fun, joyful memories,” she said.
Terri Holmes of Pete’s Time out, which is a previous participant, anticipates the event topping last year.
“Customers are already talking about the event. I had a customer this morning tell me that they’ll be back just in time for the Tapa Hop,” she said.
This year’s participating restaurants are Fish-Tale Waterfront Dining, Pete’s Time Out, the Salty Crab, Junkanoo on the Beach, Doc Ford’s, Bayfront Bistro, and South Beach Grille.
Sponsorships are still available.
For additional information, contact Janeen Paulauskis at 239-454-7500 or email events@fmbchamber.com.