Restaurants in Naples: Irish Times is coming, Ciao is closing

The Irish Times Bar & Grill is slated to open in the former Shea’s in downtown Naples in late summer. TIM ATEN / NAPLES FLORIDA WEEKLY

Q: I wonder who is behind the Irish Times, which is about to open on Fifth Avenue in Naples. It looks like it’s where Shea once was, behind HobNob in the alley near Cambier Park. It’s great that the square is being reopened! – Mike D., Naples ON: Two Irish men with experience in the New York hotel industry plan to open the Irish Times Bar & Grill in the former Shea’s on Lansdowne Street in downtown Naples later this summer. Shea closed last June after living at 720 Fifth Ave. for four years. S., across from Cambier Park Way from the Bandshell, was operating.

“We’re bringing a mix of traditional and modern Irish pub experience to the community. Our goal is to provide a warm atmosphere with fine Irish-American dishes and regular live music. You are just as likely to see craft cocktails at the bar as pints of properly poured Guinness, ”said Gerry McGovern, who co-owns the new venue with Ciaran Mosley.

The South Avenue Bar opened on Fifth Avenue South in downtown Naples on Wednesday. Courtesy of the SOUTH AVENUE BAR

Extensive renovations are going on in the Irish Pub. “We’re actually changing about 75% of the interiors,” said McGovern.

After Shea closed last year, the owners announced that the local store will reopen in a new location near Naples. The deals for two promising locations failed, said Charles F. Maurer, who has also owned and operated a sister location, Lansdowne Street, in Bonita Springs since 2007. “We’re going to reopen Shea’s in the right place,” said Maurer.

South Avenue Bar

The South Avenue Bar opened next to L’Olivo Ristorante on Fifth Avenue South in downtown Naples on Wednesday. The adjoining bar and restaurant are owned by longtime local restaurateurs Feibi Gouda and Raf Bishai, whose previous local ventures included Grouper Grille and Falafel Grill. They also operated previous venues on L’Olivo’s location called South Avenue Restaurant & Bar and Crispy Seafood & Wine Bar.

Confused? You may need a drink. This is where the South Avenue Bar can help. The small, upscale eatery offers craft cocktails that are more modern than old-fashioned creations, said Sarah Bey, general manager of the new bar. “There are a number of flavors and the colors are very vibrant so it will be really fun,” she said, noting that first responders, service members and veterans receive special discounts on cocktails.

The bar with 12 stools has additional high-top seating as well as an adjoining lounge area, which is separated from the rest of the bar by a glass wall. The lounge can be reserved free of charge.

The independent bar will eventually serve finger food and small bites, Ms. Bey said.

South Avenue Bar, 643 Fifth Ave. S., is open Sunday to Thursday from 11 a.m. to midnight and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. For more information, please visit @SouthAvenueBar on Facebook and Instagram.

Bokampers time out

Bokampers Sports Bar & Grill in north Naples is closed for renovations this week but is slated to reopen in August. WITH KINDNESS FROM BOKAMPER’S

Bokampers Sports Bar & Grill in north Naples was closed for renovations this week but is slated to reopen in August, according to the restaurant’s recorded phone message. Bokamper’s Facebook page promises that the local venue will reopen for the football season.

“Bokamper’s Naples is currently closed, but don’t worry,” the restaurant posted on Facebook on Monday. “We’ll be back before you know and better than ever! We also have a few surprises in store for you! So stay tuned for announcements and follow our social networks for updates. See you soon!”

Last year, Miami Dolphins’ South Florida-based sports bar chain Kim “Bo” Bokamper permanently closed its Estero location in Coconut Point after notifying fans on Facebook that it was “closed until further notice.” Bokamper’s other Fort Lauderdale, Miramar and Plantation locations will remain open.

Bokamper’s Naples opened more than 10 years ago near Vanderbilt Beach Road in the premises previously used by Sanibel Steakhouse and The Keg Steakhouse & Bar.

Mother’s Day is the last business day for Ristorante Ciao, 835 Fourth Ave. S. in downtown Naples. TIM ATEN / NAPLES FLORIDA WEEKLY

Bye!

Mother’s Day is the last business day for Ristorante Ciao, which will be celebrating its 34th birthday next week at 835 Fourth Ave. S. celebrates in downtown Naples. The local Italian restaurant opened on April 24, 1987 in a 55-year-old brick building previously known as Muldoon’s Pizzeria, which succeeded Monty’s Bar BQ.

The end of the season is a good time for Ciao chef / owner Gianfranco Loreti, 67, to end his restaurant’s impressive run.

“As they say, all good things have to come to an end at some point. And I think now is our time, ”said Carol Rosen, who has been Loreti’s business partner and restaurant manager for 15 years. “Sunday May 9th will be our last dinner. The decision to close was not an easy one, and for many reasons. COVID and the financial burden it put on our operation by reducing the number of guests we had each night for over a year was an important factor. “

Together, Mr. Loreti and Mrs. Rosen enjoyed the trip, made new friends and welcomed Ciao’s old friends and patrons who have become like family. “Next for us? Time to smell the flowers here in paradise and relax a little, ”said Ms. Rosen.

For the next few weeks, dinner at the Ciao will continue to be served every evening from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. to eat or take away. Reservations are required at 239-263-3889 for a Farewell Wine Dinner Set for April 27 at 6:30 p.m. for $ 90 per person. “We will also be reducing our wine bottles by 30% while supplies last,” said Ms. Rosen.

Dinner on Mother’s Day offers Ciao’s full la carte menu with a special ambrosia salad, a fish entree and Torta Della Nonna – grandmother’s cake – for dessert, a sweet finish. |

– “Tim Aten Knows” is published every week in the Naples Florida Weekly. Mr. Aten is Senior Editor of Gulfshore Business Magazine. Email questions to TimAtenKnows@floridaweekly.com. Follow @TimAtenKnows on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter.

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