Special Online Edition
August 22, 2013
Bay Watch News
Sat Down With Dan For An Interview:
When is Backwater Jacks expected to open?
We plan to open mid October for dinner and mid November for lunch and dinner.
Has a Chef been hired?
Yes the Chef has been hired and will arrive September 5.
What months and hours will the restaurant be open?
During the summer we plan to be open Friday, Saturday and Sunday for lunch and dinner (June – October)
In high season we will be open seven days a week for lunch and dinner (November – April)
Will reservations be accepted?
Yes. By phone at 239-992-3010
and on line at www.bonitabaymarina.net through Open Table link.
What is the seating capacity of the restaurant?
We have seating for 228 people.
Will there be take out service?
Yes.
Will a yearly membership fee be charged to use BWJ?
At this point the ownership feels that a membership fee is not necessary. We feel that if we provide an exceptional experience we will have the support of our residents and will have a busy and thriving restaurant.
Has the menu been set yet?
It is a work in progress - but we do have a few ideas such as - “TheBucket List” featuring shrimp, clams, stone crab claws, calamari, etc served in a bucket and called “Jack’s Bait Bucket”. We plan to enhance and upgrade the menu with an emphasis on fresh local seafood as well as adding some great comfort foods to the menu such as braised short ribs, homemade meatloaf and pot roast. All the salads will have small portions available. The wine and dessert lists will also be revamped.
Do you plan to take credit cards?
Yes – Visa and Master Card.
Will you attempt a working relationship with Bonita Bay Club with respect to common employees and purchasing of supplies, ie food, liquor, etc.
Yes, whenever possible. I met with Dan Miles (GM of Bonita Bay Club) and we are looking forward to a great working relationship.
Any long range plans?
Yes, we are excited about what is happening at BWJ now but we look forward to future renovations which will include increasing outdoor dining space to take advantage of water views.
Bonita Bay Club
Renovations Well Underway
General Manager, Dan Miles took us on a guided tour of the work zone at the Bonita Bay Club. As of this date, there is approximately 25,000 square feet of dangling wires and exposed plumbing which will be turned into a showstopper in just a few months. Construction has fallen slightly behind but it is anticipated to be caught up shortly.
The Palm Tree on Marsh number 3 in front of green
was struck by lightning and removed.
DeRosa’s Gourmet Market and Restaurant, scheduled to open in the Promenade in November, will offer a variety of experiences in 15,000 sq. ft. of space which is being renovated in the block of shops that previously included Silver Spoon. The area is being transformed, according to the Chamber of Commerce, into "a gourmet market and full authentic bakery, a 300 seat casual-dining restaurant, a quaint Tuscan style outdoor bar and seating area, full catering services, gourmet gift baskets for purchase, and a cozy coffee shop that offers homemade gelato and sorbet, just to mention a few."
Center for the Arts in Bonita Springs
Is moving closer to its vision of opening a 28,000 sq.ft. performing arts center on Vermont St. and Bonita Beach Road in early 2014. They plan to take over the space presently occupied by Living Waters Community Church located at
27911 Vermont Street.
The purchase contract has been signed and the closing will take place at the beginning of the year. For information on donations or to learn more about the project, log on to: http://www.artcenterbonita.org
Originally from Chicago
1993 - 1999 Worked at Backwater Jacks, Bonita Bay Club as Restaurant Manager and Bonita Bay-Naples clubhouse as Food and Beverage Manager
In 1999 - served as GM at Backwater Jacks
Transferred to the Veranda Club as General Manager until 2003
Recently managed restaurants in Naples
Has been working at BWJ since July 1
What has to be done to get ready?
The kitchen had to be totally gutted because nothing had been done in 20 years and is undergoing the renovation as we speak.
There will be cosmetic changes in the dining room and bar, painting the exterior with some fun, livelier colors, updating the Gazebo and remodeling the
bathrooms.
FYI
Marina Club Manager – Capt. Tibe Larson told us that 82% of the slips are rented (about 50% are Bonita Bay residents).
On another matter ...
Bonita Bay Marina and Backwater Jacks
Meet Dan Demczak, General Manager
A view from the member's bar looking out over the fire pit and beyond to the Marsh practice range.
The Promenade at Bonita Bay
DeRosa's Gourmet Market and Restaurant
The Lion's Club Farm Fresh Market Moves to a New Home
Where: Bonita Commons (One Mile North of Main Gate on 41 - Plaza on Right)
When: October 19 - May 3
Time: 7 a.m. to Noon
...bringing you the LARGEST selection of fruits and vegetable in all of SWF!
Future Home Center for the Arts of Bonita Springs
FYI
It has been reported by the media that the
Living Waters Community Church
is under contract to purchase the 97,000 sq. ft. space previously occupied by Target
(across from Bonita Bay).
Three New Comers to Bonita Springs
The Terraces (Located directly across from Bonita Bay's North Gate) opened its doors to new residents this summer. It is SPECTACULAR!
Another Storage Facility!
On 41 adjacent to the Imperial River Boat Ramp.
Sweet Odin's Bakery is the Newest Hot Spot In Town
Stop by for Coffee and Danish
DeRosa’s Gourmet Market and Restaurant, scheduled to open in the Promenade in November, will offer a variety of experiences in 15,000 sq. ft. of space which is being renovated in the block of shops that previously included Silver Spoon. The area is being transformed, according to the Chamber of Commerce, into "a gourmet market and full authentic bakery, a 300 seat casual-dining restaurant, a quaint Tuscan style outdoor bar and seating area, full catering services, gourmet gift baskets for purchase, and a cozy coffee shop that offers homemade gelato and sorbet, just to mention a few."
