Caribbean-inspired eatery set for Fishermen’s Village

A new Caribbean-inspired restaurant is preparing to open at Fishermen’s Village in Punta Gorda, filling the former space of The Pier and debuting just in time for tourist season.

The 6,000-square-foot waterfront space is undergoing extensive renovations and will reopen as The Islands, a new concept featuring a wide-ranging menu. Offerings will include a “unique sushi concept,” salads, locally caught fish and Wagyu tomahawk steaks, according to the team behind the project.

Corrie Gates of SVN Commercial Partners, which brokered the lease, said the restaurant will be operated by a locally based ownership group with a vision to bring “a modern culinary vision to this iconic location.”

The Islands overlooks the Peace River, giving diners views of sunsets, marine life and boat traffic. The setting will play a central role in its identity, said Director of Operations Dan McKay.

“The Islands will be a social operation connecting the neighborhood and making visitors feel welcome. We want to bring the Punta Gorda community closer together, ensure every customer feels part of the Village, and create a memorable experience in a vibrant environment,” McKay said. “Our concept promises to cater to various tastes, featuring innovative dishes for lunch and dinner, fresh hand-crafted cocktails, all utilizing the freshest locally sourced ingredients.”

Gates said the concept is positioned to become a major draw for both residents and seasonal visitors, adding that The Islands is poised to fill a distinct place in the Punta Gorda community and be a top attraction for both locals and visitors who come for a memorable dining experience.

Those wanting a preview of the new restaurant will be able to meet the staff Nov. 15 during the annual lighting of Fishermen’s Village. Team members will be stationed outside the restaurant as festivities begin at 5 p.m.



Visitors stroll beneath the holiday canopy inside Fishermen’s Village, where The Islands and several other locally operated restaurants are preparing to open.

Fishermen’s Village

The Islands is opening as Fishermen’s Village continues undergoing sweeping changes. SVN Commercial Partners has spent the past 18 months managing and repositioning the property as it prepares the landmark waterfront destination for eventual sale. During that time, several new restaurants with local ties have signed leases, including Leroy’s Fish Shack, Castaways and Latitude 26°.

“In our role in managing, leasing, and preparing Fisherman's Village for sale, our team has been mindful of both maintaining the culture and history of this place, along with providing the customers with high quality, diverse and locally inspired dining options,” Gates said.

As of Nov. 14, she said, only about 1,000 square feet remained unleased.

The Islands will be followed by two additional restaurant openings in early 2025. With the departure of Harpoon Harry’s on the first floor and the Captain’s Table above it, Tidewater Group plans to open Latitude 26° upstairs in mid-January. By March, the company expects to debut Castaways downstairs, offering what Gates described as a laid-back, island-style atmosphere.

Castaways will maintain the prior restaurant’s open-floor plan, but with one notable change: the bar will shift to the center of the room so guests can better enjoy the waterfront view.

Meanwhile, the long-anticipated Leroy’s Fish Shack continues its interior buildout. Owner Lee Richardson previously said he hoped to open during this year’s tourist season.

New retail is on the way, as well. Early next year, Bee & Co., a cosmetics shop, and ästhetik spa & skincare, a Punta Gorda business from 212 West Virginia Ave., will open locations at Fishermen’s Village.