Fresh Catch Inland Combines Coastal Cuisine, Creativity and Community

By Cheryl Mandell

Fresh Catch Inland opened February 10 at the northern edge of Coconut Point, bringing a refined twist to a local favorite.

Since 2012, Fresh Catch Bistro had been a beloved fine-dining seafood staple in Fort Myers Beach, but after Hurricane Ian swept through in 2022, prolific local restaurateur Franco Russo was forced to relocate his beachside bistros, Fresh Catch and Junkanoo Below Deck, to a new location on Estero Boulevard. Despite the devastation and frustrations, the overwhelming support from the community inspired renewed purpose and growth.

A long-standing vacancy turned into a new opportunity to open a second location of Fresh Catch in Estero, where Russo and his team crafted a new take on their popular brand. Classic coastal dishes meet vibrant new creations, custom-made for the seafood-loving community of Estero.

Until 2022, the address was briefly home to T42 tapas restaurant, but most people remember the space as a TGI Friday’s for many years.

“This location is really great,” said General Manager James Hubbard. “It’s right in front of 41, within Coconut Point. This area in Estero is really growing, and I think it will be really great for us.”

The interior is a complete 180 from the previous space. The former dark colors have been replaced with light wood tables and floors; white and navy blue accents exude a nautical yet contemporary air, with greenery along the walls. Bright and cheerful artwork is everywhere and showcases local art for sale.

High-top tables and half booths surround the bar with televisions throughout, but this is no sports bar.  Think Oysters Rockefeller and a craft cocktail. Daily happy hour from 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. is already quite popular among patrons, with drink specials including domestic beer, house wine, sangria, well cocktails and house martinis. A variety of starters are also on the happy hour menu.

Dinner is served from 5-9 p.m. daily and includes classics from the coast like coconut shrimp, scallops, lobster tail, and much more. The restaurant also has a popular fresh catch concept – guests choose their protein, preparation method, accompanying sauce and two sides.

Landlubbing dishes range from prime rib and filet mignon to chicken, pasta, burgers, sandwiches, flatbreads and tacos. Favorites from Fresh Catch Bistro, like Grouper Caprese and Shrimp Mediterranean, have carried over to the new Estero location, but there are many new items that can’t be found at the beach bistro, including paella, short rib and pork potstickers.

Chef Tyler  works hard in the kitchen creating not only tasty food, but an environment of learning and mentorship.  He knows the value of making a positive mark on the community.

“I want our community to be proud to have us,” said Tyler. “I want them to say, ‘We want to go somewhere and have a good meal that’s different – we need to go to Fresh Catch.’ So, that’s the whole thing we’re working on and starting to build.”