On Friday, December 1st, 2023, The Sanibel Cafe, located in Tahitian Gardens, reopened for business. This iconic Sanibel Island restaurant had been shuttered since Hurricane Ian wreaked havoc on Southwest Florida (in September of 2022), leaving locals (and visitors) without their beloved spot for breakfast and lunch.
The Sanibel Captiva Chamber of Commerce hosted a festive (and well-attended) ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark this momentous and long-awaited occasion.
Owners Richard and Bonnie were on hand to welcome patrons back to the cafe. The distinctive shell-filled tables, a hallmark of the Sanibel Cafe, stood proudly in place, ready to cradle the next memorable dining experience for eager guests.
“The Sanibel Café was established in 1984, and over over 30 years later it has become famous around the world for its delicious food and spectacular fossilized sea shell table tops!“
Guests were able to take selfies with a new (and vibrant) Sanibel-themed mural that The Sanibel Cafe commissioned local artist Rachel Pierce to create. A “Mailigator” print by Sanibel artist Laura Ball is also on display. NOTE: Both of these artists have work that can be seen on the Sanibel Art Colony (SAC) website – and also had pieces accepted into the inaugural SAC exhibition “There’s Calm In Your Eye” – Art Inspired by the Impact of Hurricane Ian on Southwest Florida. Many thanks to The Sanibel Cafe for celebrating local art!
RELATED: Join our BRAND NEW Sanibel + Captiva Island Art + Photography Group
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Richard and Bonnie expressed their gratitude to the valued customers, friends, and neighbors who rejoined them on this special day. “We LOVED seeing so many of our valued customers, friends, and neighbors again! And, we definitely appreciate the support! Thank you to everyone that joined us yesterday. We look forward to seeing YOU soon!“
Next time you’re on Sanibel Island, indulge in a visit to The Sanibel Cafe for breakfast (or lunch), where they blend diverse, mouthwatering dishes, artistic ambiance, and family-friendly charm, accessibility, and a rich history, promising an irresistible!
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