Weekend Plans: Busy time in downtown Fort Myers as several businesses reopen after Jan

FORT MYERS, Florida. On Friday, several businesses in downtown Fort Myers welcomed guests for the first time since Hurricane Ian.

The Firestone Grill officially opened on Bay Street, while their next-door neighbor, the City Tavern, had its grand opening the day before.

Perry Houser, operations manager at City Tavern, told Fox 4 on Friday that Ian has come a long way since then.

“Business as usual, day after day, and then we shook up, and now it’s interesting to get up again and go forward and get new energy,” Houser said.

Looking back, Hauser is happy to feel that atmosphere again.

“We had 43 inches in the front and 40 inches in the back,” Hauser said.

Houser acknowledged that it was a helping hand across the street that lit their path to discovery.

“The former CEO, Bob from Luminary, who lives across the street, actually offered to hire our entire staff,” Hauser said.

CEO Bobby Knockley hosted the grand opening of the Chips Sports Pub at the Luminary Hotel on Friday.

Knockley told Fox 4 they plan to officially open in mid-February, with Chips offering everything from food and drink to virtual golf.

“We are at the finish line, just putting the finishing touches on,” Knockley said.

Knockley said it was in part because of the surrounding businesses that made them want to open it on Bay Street.

We now have a footprint on Bay Street so we know we have great neighbors next door,” Knockley said.

All part of the process is helping to revitalize downtown, according to Knockley.

“People have left, people are convinced that the city center has been restored and is in excellent condition,” Knockley said.