BackStreets Sports Bar to begin renovation
One of the most popular spots in downtown Cape Coral is set to undergo renovations that will greatly improve its outdoor bar and seating area.
BackStreets Sports Bar will be temporarily closing both its inside and outside areas starting Monday, Aug. 3.
The bar will see a complete overhaul of its outdoor area, making the venue both a better place to work and enjoy a drink or bite to eat.
“We are so excited to finally get this,” said BackStreets owner Shelly Walton. “We’ve been holding it together for the last year.”
The outdoor space will now go along with a complete remodel of the inside done in 2019.
Walton said the outdoor bar was made in the mid-2000s, and, following natural wear and tear and finally Hurricane Ian, it was more than time to revamp the space.
“We’re going to tear everything down,” she said. “We’re making it more efficient for the bartenders as well. The bar went through Hurricane Ian and had two feet of water out there for many hours. Anytime a bar gets that kind of water, it’s never going to be right again.”
Walton hired a professional to design the bar to function properly for staff and allow for easier upkeep as opposed to the previous layout.
Before BackStreets temporarily closes, it’s offering a special the day before on Aug. 2.
The bar will offer 25-cent wings (while supplies last) and $2 drinks on select bottled spirits and liquor.
“We want people to come in and wish a happy vacation to our staff, maybe sign the top of the outside bar and take a picture with it,” Walton said.
The bar will be fully closed until Aug. 16, with the inside reopening on Aug. 17 at 3 p.m.
The bar will fully reopen on Aug. 24.
The Cape Coral Community Redevelopment Agency approved a Breaking Barriers to Business Grant Program for Backstreets Sports Bar during its Wednesday meeting.
The grant provides financial assistance to developers and business owners for eligible expenses related to permitting, land development, and Florida Building and Fire Code requirements. The award can cover up to 20% of the eligible capital costs with a maximum award of $50,000, which was approved for the sports bar.
The project includes demolition and reconstruction of the outside patio bar caused by Hurricane Ian water damage, and the replacement and relocation of a 1970s grease trap system.
Staff said the B2B program is a reimbursement-based program that only allows for a 90-day look back period.
“The grant itself is only funded on expenses submitted to us in that lookback period,” Economic Development Manager Sharon Woodberry said.
The Cape Coral Community Redevelopment Agency approved its 2027 budget during its Wednesday meeting.
Cape Coral City Council, which also sits as the CRA board of commissioners, also approved the 2027 budget of $8,998,593, which an increase of $1,286,637 from the May budget presentation, during its meeting.
BackStreets Sports Bar is at 915 SE 47th Terrace.