Dixie Roadhouse for sale
The co-owners of a long-standing nightlife spot in Cape Coral are looking to sell.
After nearly 15 years of owning and operating Dixie Roadhouse, David Townsend and Lynn Pippenger are ready to retire and say goodbye to the South Cape hotspot known for line dancing, celebrations, and party atmosphere.
“We know that the building has a lot of potential,” said Townsend, 70. “Twenty years ago I’d be doing it, I don’t have that in me anymore. We want to leave it with someone who can make things better for the South Cape and Cape Coral overall.”
The couple is selling the business, not the building itself. The business package includes a 30-year lease, liquor license, inventory, lease deposit, furniture, fixtures, equipment, intellectual property, and cash flow/market value (calculated from 2023-2024 net income times 2.5 years).
The total price tag? $2.675 million.
Collectively, Townsend and Pippenger have more than 80 years of nightclub experience in 130-plus nightclubs nationwide. They have served in roles across the spectrum — from nightclub employees, to managers, to corporate owners, to nightclub consultants, to partners, to individual owners of nightclubs, to a director at the largest nightclub company in the world, and an original founding Board Member of the Nightclub & Bar magazine and trade shows.
In 2011, the couple decided to focus their experience and knowledge into one place, which resulted in the Dixie Roadhouse.
“We just wanted everyone to know that we couldn’t have done all of this without the help, expertise, and knowledge of literally thousands of people that we have collaborated with in the nightclub business over the past few decades,” the couple stated.
The Dixie has been a staple for events surrounding New Year’s Eve, Bike Nights, and countless occasions and parties. Dixie housed many talented performers during its infancy, such as Blake Shelton, Eli Young Band, and the Misfits.
Townsend said they’d like to pass the 10,000-square-foot venue on to someone with expertise in the industry who could take full advantage of the space, and untapped potential.
That untapped potential includes a possible rooftop bar expansion, outdoor patio with an island bar, hosting live concerts as they had in the past, and more.
“With everything going on down in the South Cape… it’s really developing fast. This building has potential to be part of that,” Townsend said. “We’re still good business. We don’t plan on closing Dixie. It’s still going to be open. It’s not going to really affect the employees or customers. It would depend on what the new owners wanted to do with it, but at least for a while, it’ll be business as usual.”
At the moment, Townsend and Pippenger are attempting to locate a purchaser on their own, but would welcome a broker that could bring them a buyer.
The duo that know how to throw a party have cherished their time operating Dixie Roadhouse.
“Loved it,” Townsend said. “We just know the building and the business have so much more potential.
“We’re very proud of the legacy.”
When asked if they’ll miss it, Townsend said, “Oh yeah. That’s all I’ve ever done. It’s going to be weird.”
Townsend said it’s time to enjoy retirement, his grandchildren, and getting to travel, which he said he loves doing.
Those interested in purchasing Dixie Roadhouse can find more information by visiting www.legendarynightclubforsale.com.
Dixie Roadhouse is at 1023 S.E. 47th Terrace.