Ex-Pat Michiganders open several restaurants on Fort Myers Beach!

Oh those optimists! A slew of new restauranteurs have moved onto Fort Myers Beach and surrounding areas. From a casual observation it seems that most are ex-pat Michiganders. Most noticeably, the new owners of the Fish Monger and the new occupants of the old Channel Mark named Dock 'O Bay. The Monger has been partially remodeled and the menu revamped but they kept the best of the old place especially the fresh fish right off the boat.

I don't speak Michigander so the menu at the new Monger has some strange words like 'boat' for potato skin and 'Creel' for basket. Partner/Owner Shelly has been in Florida for 30 years but still hangs onto a rustic ex-Pat Michigander style. Her Partner/Owner is the chef and he has added many delicious dishes and they've added some very interesting deals.

Dock 'O Bay didn't have much to grow from because the previous restaurant was doomed by their menu. They have a wide variety and seem to be relying on the view, which is great, to attract the crowds. I am hopeful they do their pricing due diligence with other restaurants in the area. Rumor has it that the owners don't have any experience.

Next we have the Outhouse BBQ. Used to be the Big Game and a lot of the signage still reflects that doomed venture. I've taken the liberty of naming the place to reflect the outhouse sized smoker in front. But just changing the name won't help especially if they don't change their ways. Up to this point they've had NO staff training, NO consistency in food, an amazing number of staff turnover especially managerial and a reputation of callous treatment of office staff.

It seems that they fired the Marina Complex's bookkeeper while she was undergoing treatment for Breast Cancer. That is why I and many, many others are staying away from the whole place. I wish the Fish Monger and the Dock 'O Bay all the luck but not the Outhouse BBQ.

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