As high season approaches in Southwest Florida, SanCap Chamber ribbon-cuttings are reflecting a robust return to a strong economy. Dec. 12 saw the opening of a new Clive Daniel Home showroom at 8650 Gladiolus Drive in Fort Myers and the reopening of a longtime Captiva Island dining fixture, Sunshine Seafood Café and Wine Bar at 11508 Andy Rosse Lane.
“Fort Myers has been home since 1978,” said Daniel Lubner, Clive Daniel Home CEO. “So many of our core memories were created on Sanibel and Captiva. After the storm, it felt like too much of a burden to have our clients drive all the way to Naples. We wanted to create a hometown location to match our commitment to see the islands come back stronger.”
Clive Daniel Homes opened in Naples in 2011. Its Fort Myers showroom debuted in October as the design firm’s fourth location, including Boca Raton and Sarasota in Florida. It offers the same comprehensive selection of furniture, lighting, rugs, window treatments, and accessories, along with the services of 15 professional interior designers.
“Daniel and his father, Clive, who serves as chairman, have a strong affinity for the islands that shows clearly in their generous support of the chamber and other island businesses,” said John Lai, president and CEO of the SanCap Chamber. “The fact their corporate headquarters and warehouse are in Fort Myers demonstrates their commitment to the community, and we thank them for helping to bring it back to full bloom.”
“The SanCap Chamber has historically been one of the most impressive groups that we have ever seen,” said Lubner. “They provide so much for the community. When we saw they were in need of furniture, it was the easiest way we knew we could provide immediate comfort to their needs. Now, to be able to have John and the San-Cap team lead a ribbon-cutting was the icing on the cake. We look forward to participating in the communities’ march towards normalization again. We look forward to seeing more friends reopen their businesses.”
Sandy Stilwell Youngquist has been synonymous with Captiva Island dining for more than 20 years, and she was determined not to let Hurricane Ian’s ruthless damage to her restaurants and inn change all that. Sunshine Seafood Café was her second island restaurant, purchased in 2004. Her first, Keylime Bistro, is set to reopen by Christmas. Cantina Captiva will also come back this month, and RC Otter’s Island Eats opened in June.
Despite total flooding and loss of all furniture and equipment, Sunshine Seafood returns with much the same feel, a new design, and some changes in color schemes. The biggest difference happens in the kitchen, where locally loved chef Ryan Kida has taken the helm and reinvented the menu with some legendary dishes from his former Yabo restaurant in Fort Myers, along with new creations.
“The island restaurants have worked together very well in helping one another out and supporting one another,” said Youngquist, who was able to support the Captiva fire department and state law enforcement with the use of her vehicles that survived the storm. She loaned them her S-CAR-Go snail Jeep and another to use until they airlifted or ferried over vehicles.
“Sandy is a pillar in the island business community, and a shining example of how working hard and together gets results,” said Lai. “We welcome back the lively vibe her restaurants have come to define as the Captiva dining scene.”
ABOUT SANIBEL & CAPTIVA ISLANDS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
The Sanibel & Captiva Islands Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to promoting the prosperity of its members and preserving the quality of life of our community. The Chamber plays a key role in facilitating communication and cooperation between business, residents, and government to enhance the economic health of the islands. Its website, sanibel-captiva.org, receives over 1.3 million visits per year. For more information about the chamber, visit sanibel-captiva.org or contact John Lai, president and CEO, at 239-472-2348 or [email protected].
