The Phelan Family Brands team — known across Southwest Florida for local favorites like Pinchers, Deep Lagoon Seafood, and Texas Tony’s BBQ Shack — has launched its newest concept, and it’s a spicy one. Caimán Cantina, now open in North Naples, blends authentic Mexican flavors with fresh Gulf seafood in a lively, come-as-you-are setting.
Located at 10395 Tamiami Trail North, the space formerly home to Two Fillets has been completely reimagined. Gone are the subdued tones and steakhouse mood. In their place: vibrant colors, rustic wood finishes, a glowing tequila bar, and a playlist that keeps the energy high from lunch through last call.
The vision behind Caimán Cantina was simple — create a fun, approachable Mexican concept that still delivers on quality. Phelan’s leadership saw a gap in the North Naples market: plenty of fine dining and plenty of chain Tex-Mex, but little in between. The result is a casual-elevated hybrid that locals can visit for both a quick taco lunch or a margarita-fueled dinner out with friends.
The menu strikes a balance between comfort classics and coastal flair. Expect made-from-scratch tacos, enchiladas, burritos, and chimichangas alongside creative seafood dishes like shrimp diablo, mahi tacos, and citrus-lime ceviche. Every plate leans on bold flavors, bright colors, and house-made sauces.
Behind the bar, the tequila program takes center stage. Margaritas come in every style — traditional, spicy, frozen, and fruit-infused — with a long list of premium tequilas for sipping. There’s also a craft cocktail lineup built around fresh ingredients and coastal-inspired garnishes.
Even the restaurant’s name tells a story. “Caimán,” meaning alligator in Spanish, nods both to Mexico’s wild side and Florida’s natural landscape. The playful gator branding fits right in with the group’s signature sense of humor and local flavor — lighthearted, memorable, and distinctly Southwest Florida.
Caimán Cantina also marks Phelan Family Brands’ 11th restaurant concept, a milestone that underscores just how much the group has evolved since its first Pinchers in 1997. Over nearly three decades, Phelan’s portfolio has grown from a single seafood shack into a regional powerhouse with diverse dining experiences — from barbecue and beachside casual to upscale coastal and now Mexican fusion.
The timing couldn’t be better. North Naples is one of the fastest-growing dining corridors in the region, attracting both new residents and year-round locals looking for variety beyond the usual steak-and-seafood fare. Caimán Cantina’s balance of value, vibe, and flavor is positioned to capture that audience perfectly.
Inside, guests will find an open-air feel with tropical greenery, warm lighting, and colorful murals. Outside, the patio area offers relaxed seating for happy hour or weekend brunch, which the team plans to introduce soon.
Service is intentionally upbeat and unfussy. The goal isn’t white-tablecloth formality — it’s hospitality with personality. That’s been the Phelan family hallmark from day one: make great food, serve it fast, and make it fun.
In an era when many restaurant groups are scaling back, Phelan Family Brands continues to push forward — adding new concepts, creating local jobs, and keeping its headquarters and creative roots right here in Southwest Florida.
For Naples diners, that means one thing: more choices, more flavor, and more reasons to eat local.
NNN Takeaway:
Caimán Cantina hits that elusive sweet spot — authentic yet accessible, casual yet memorable. For North Naples, it’s not just another restaurant opening; it’s a sign that local dining is evolving again, and the Phelan family is once more setting the pace.
