News Summary
Chuck Lager Legendary Kitchen is set to open in South Fort Myers this October, occupying the space formerly held by Chili’s. The restaurant will feature a diverse menu designed by celebrity chef Fabio Viviani, with offerings ranging from burgers to Italian-inspired dishes. The grand opening follows extensive renovations costing a million dollars, aimed at creating a vibrant atmosphere. Additionally, the restaurant will support local breweries and provide catering services, promising a community-focused dining experience.
South Fort Myers is set to welcome the Chuck Lager Legendary Kitchen this October, bringing a revamped dining experience to the area. Situated at 9980 University Plaza Drive, this new restaurant will occupy the space formerly held by Chili’s, which is currently undergoing a substantial renovation that costs a million dollars. This transformation aims to provide a fresh atmosphere for patrons in south Fort Myers.
The project is spearheaded by franchise owner Jim Tovey, a Naples resident who transitioned from a finance career in Boston in 2017 to embark on this venture. Tovey signed the lease for the new location in February 2024, though he experienced delays with permits and construction. Local workers were diverted to assist with post-hurricane repairs, which extended the timeline for the renovations. As of now, the final touches are being completed to prepare for the grand opening.
Adding excitement to the new restaurant is celebrity chef Fabio Viviani, who is on board to design the menu. The culinary offerings will incorporate a blend of classic American favorites intertwined with international influences. Menu highlights will include a variety of burgers, tacos, and Italian-inspired dishes, with prices for entrees generally ranging from $20 to $30. The most luxurious item on the menu, an Angus ribeye steak, will be priced at $40. Additionally, signature cocktails will cost between $12 and $14, while appetizers will range from $10 to $22, creating diverse options for diners.
Patrons will also notice dynamic decor throughout the restaurant, showcasing artwork that represents Chuck Lager’s global adventures. Featured locations on these artworks include Portland, Bavaria, Brooklyn, and Santiago, contributing to the restaurant’s unique ambiance.
In a commitment to support the local economy, Chuck Lager Legendary Kitchen will partner with regional breweries to offer beers from Naples’ Kaleidoscope Beer Co. and Cape Coral’s Scotty’s Bierwerks, along with selections from Garrison Brothers and Wicked Dolphin distilleries. This collaboration emphasizes a community-focused spirit, where local flavors are integrated into the dining experience.
Besides dining, the restaurant will also handle catering and can host private parties, providing versatile options for celebrations and gatherings. To mark its opening, Chuck Lager will kick off with a VIP launch event, expected to attract considerable attention from the community.
Chuck Lager started its journey near the Delaware-New Jersey border in 2020 and has successfully expanded to operate three locations, even after closing outposts in Barrington, NJ, and Orlando, FL. The mission of the restaurant is to create a friendly and welcoming “community parlor,” where patrons can savor meals and drinks in the company of friends and family.
For those interested in frequent visits, customers can join Chuck Lager’s rewards program for additional benefits. Under Chef Viviani’s ongoing involvement, the menu will evolve, offering new items that reflect culinary trends and customer preferences.
The new Chuck Lager Legendary Kitchen is conveniently located just east of Interstate 75, near Gulf Coast Town Center and Alico Road, making it an accessible dining spot for many residents and visitors in the area.
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- Gulfshore Business: Chuck Lager Restaurant Opening
- Wikipedia: South Fort Myers
- WINK News: Chuck Lager Restaurant Opening
- Google Search: Chuck Lager restaurant
- B103.9: Chuck Lager Restaurant Coming
- Google Scholar: Chuck Lager
- Gulfshore Business: Naples Area Growth
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Restaurant
Author: STAFF HERE ORLANDO WRITER
ORLANDO STAFF WRITER The ORLANDO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOrlando.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Orlando, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival, Megacon Orlando, and Central Florida Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Orlando Economic Partnership and Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Metro Orlando, plus leading businesses in leisure and hospitality that power the local economy such as Walt Disney World Resort, AdventHealth, and Universal Orlando. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
