“New Restaurants, Markets, and Wellness Spots Redefine Naples’ Local Life”

Naples is ending the year on a high note — and with a full plate. From beloved local names reinventing themselves to national brands moving in, the city’s commercial corridors are buzzing with openings and rebrands that showcase how dynamic the area’s business landscape has become.

After 25 years of serving locals, Pelican Larry’s closed its final location at 8855 Immokalee Road on November 5,2025, marking the end of an era for one of Naples’ most familiar names in casual dining.

But that story is about to get a modern rewrite. The space has been acquired by a seasoned local restaurant group that plans to debut a new concept, “Tipsy Corner.” Early details point to a refreshed take on the neighborhood bar — blending a lively sports-lounge atmosphere with an elevated after-dinner scene.

While the team behind the project is keeping a low profile for now, the transformation of this longtime Naples favorite signals yet another creative chapter in the city’s ever-evolving dining scene.

Just up the road, another Italian name is making headlines. The adjoining spaces once home to The Cave Bistro & Wine Bar and Naples Wine Collection have been leased for a new Ambrosi & Sons Italian Market, expected to open soon at the Shoppes at Vanderbilt.

“It’s going to be an authentic Italian market,” said leasing manager PJ Hill, noting that the layout is ideal for their product-driven concept. The front portion will showcase imported pastas, sauces, flours, and premium goods, while the back will feature wine tastings and pours by the glass — a nod to the former wine-focused tenants.

The adjoining space, once The Cave, will be transformed into a complementary hospitality venue, further enhancing the area’s growing food-and-wine identity.

Also joining the Shoppes at Vanderbilt lineup, The Good Pour, a Florida-based boutique wine chain, has leased the entire 1000 Building behind CVS at the corner of Airport-Pulling and Vanderbilt Beach Roads.

The new 7,000-square-foot store will be the company’s sixth location statewide and its first in Southwest Florida, offering curated wines, craft spirits, beer, mixers, and glassware. The Good Pour is known for hosting engaging tasting events and donating to local charities selected by patrons — a unique “sip for a cause” model that fits Naples’ community-minded vibe.

The Aufieri & Martinez Argentinian Steakhouse is targeting a November opening in Suite 200, a seasoned restaurant spot that has hosted multiple concepts over the years. The new steakhouse will specialize in high-quality grilled meats crafted by Walter Rolando Aufieri and Daniel Martínez — their first local venture.

Also on the move: Playa Bowls, the Jersey Shore-born acai brand with 300 locations nationwide, will open in the unit vacated by Nautical Bowls by year-end 2024.

And in the wellness lane, SweatHouz, a modern recovery studio offering infrared saunas, cold plunges, and private luxury suites, is debuting two Naples-area locations — one at Shoppes at Vanderbilt and another at the new Tree Farm Plaza.

From wine bars and steak houses to markets and wellness sanctuaries, Naples continues to attract investment and imagination. These openings and rebrands illustrate a pattern: local entrepreneurs partnering with emerging regional brands to create experiences that blend authenticity, community, and style.

If 2025 has been a year of transition, 2026 is shaping up to be a year of transformation — and Naples’ dining and retail scene is leading the charge.