Big Stilly’s looks to make mark at Weaver’s Corner
It has been the home to a couple Italian restaurants and a haven for bacon lovers in recent years. Now, a group of guys are looking to turn an eatery tucked into the corner of Weaver’s Corner into something that will become a North Fort Myers tradition.
Big Stilly’s Grill opened on Oct. 28 and has begun to build a following with standard American fare at fair prices.
The place is named loosely after owner Mark Stillwagon, who owned a place in Naples called Scooters before the economy bottomed out. He contacted his friend, coffee shop owner Frank Rich, to see if he wanted to go in with him on another place.
“We looked at Naples, but the rent was outrageous compared to here. We found this place, found about 5,000 people who lived within walking or biking distance and said OK,” Stillwagon said. “We thought our product was perfect for the neighborhood.”
Stilly’s occupies the space that housed Mister Bacon. Al Caprese, an Italian restuarant, and Locarno’s Pizza, have also been at that location.
Although there are some more established eateries at Weaver’s Corner, Stillwagon doesn’t consider himself in competition with them. Besides, they would never have approved Stilly’s if its menu mimicked theirs.
“Jax is open for breakfast and early lunch, Stamatis has a following with the same people, and if I want Chinese food, I’ll find Chinese,” Stillwagon said. “We’re trying to get the working people who want a burger or a Sloppy Joe.”
Big Stilly’s is about simple food at low prices. Burgers, dogs, fries, wraps and sandwiches are prepared homemade and cooked fresh, with many items under $6.
That, Stillwagon said, is what’s making them popular. Business has picked up, and the eatery has even started offering coupons.
“We cater to those who live here. We saw the prices at the previous restaurants here and I thought ‘they didn’t charge that much in Naples.’ This is North Fort Myers. It’s not the beach,'” Stillwagon said. “This is a $6 to $8 neighborhood. We can raise prices, but once you do you can’t lower them because they’ll think you’re cutting corners.”
The Big Stilly Grill is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturday 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. For more information, call 997-1672 or like and follow them on Facebook.