Outside there's a shaded picnic bench, and inside, an old-fashioned grocery store.
Stars & Stripes Neighborhood Market is a taste of Americana in North Fort Myers. It has been a fixture or landmark of sorts for over several decades in the community, on the corner of Laurel Lane and Garden Street, which leads down the road to North Fort Myers Academy for the Arts.
"This place has been here about 20 years," said the new owner, Morris Scardigno.
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New Stars & Stripes Neighborhood Market owner Morris Scardigno making a made-to-order sub.
ANDREA GALABINSKI
"I always wanted to own a store."
He was the owner of different Blimpe franchises in Englewood.
Why take over the local neighborhood store, which has been a fixture in North Fort Myers for many, many years?
"Independence, basically," he said. "And I like a mom-and-pop store atmosphere, it's better service, more dedication than a formula."
There is great homemade food, and inexpensive prices. Food is available for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and the market has all your home essentials.
Prices are very low for the quality of the food you get. Breakfast starts at $1.75 for an egg and sausage roll, lunch or dinner included dozens of choices, including old-fashioned grinders or hoagies to veggie and cheese sandwiches for those who like to go meatless. They are offered in 6 inch or foot long, and sandwiches start at only $2.22.
There's also deli meats and cheeses, salads from tossed to chef, and great appetizers. (The jalapeno poppers are a neighborhood favorite.)
There are also daily specials.
He likes the low key feel of a neighborhood market, he said.
There are groceries, ice cream, lottery and more.
"We make our own subs, everything is to order. Our best seller is the Italian Super Sub, which has ham, Capicola, salami and pepperoni."
Hours are Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Stars & Stripes Neighborhood Market is located at 1309 Laurel Lane.
For information, call 995-5050.
