Second landmark restaurant closes in North Fort Myers
Two landmark restaurants closed last week in North Fort Myers.
Many learned that Pincher’s Crab Shack closed last Monday, but many others are just now learning that Buddy Freddy’s Country Buffet Restaurant also closed mid-week.
Officials from the local Best Western, which leased the space to Pincher’s, had not returned calls for comment at press time and The Neighbor has been unable to reach those from Buddy Freddy’s. According to the Best Western Corporate office, the hotel is independently owned and operated, and would have to be the source for any comment.
A spokesperson from Pincher’s did speak to The Neighbor.
According to Pincher’s Crab Shack Director of Operations Grant Phelan, it was the lease that caused the closure.
“We couldn’t come through a lease agreement, it’s that simple. They thought their building was more than what it was worth, and especially with the Red Sox leaving, that was a factor. A lot of our business was from the Red Sox.”
He also said local sales were not a factor.
“Our sales are up. This was strictly a business decision and had nothing to do with sales; our sales are up 4 percent.”
Phelan also said employees are now being notified of the closing.
“The employees will transfer to the other locations,” he said. “That’s not a maybe – that is a will.”
He also said they are looking for another area location. “We are looking to relocate to the Cape or Pine Island and if anyone has a building they want me to know about, call me at 221-8800.”
He also noted that customers can visit Pincher’s other seven locations. “We also recently opened in Gulf Coast Town Center by Best Buy.”