Fort Myers Beach Restaurant ‘On the Bay’ Plans October Comeback After Hurricane Ian

Matanzas on the Bay, a classic bayside restaurant in Fort Myers Beach, is reopening towards the end of September as a newly branded On the Bay restaurant. The restaurant has remained closed since Hurricane Ian swept through the area in September 2022.

The property was purchased this year for $7.5 million, and the new ownership and management will allow for the reopening of the restaurant on this historic site. Since then, the restaurant has undergone significant renovations to restore and update the beloved local venue.

“We've completed extensive renovations on the restaurant. On the Bay has always been about more than just dining. It's a place where people gather, celebrate, and make memories by the water,” said General Manager Eddie Parisi.

On the Bay will offer a scenic waterfront dining experience featuring daily live music and private event spaces for gatherings, celebrations, and business meetings. The restaurant's menu will highlight Gulf seafood, including Gulf shrimp and fresh catch dishes, along with new creations from Chef Jose Rivera, while preserving the traditional charm that has made the venue a local favorite for decades.

Petey's Upper Deck, the upstairs casual pizza spot, remains part of the property and is expected to reopen soon under the new ownership.

Located at 416 Crescent St., Fort Myers Beach, On the Bay is set to continue its legacy as a community icon, bringing residents and visitors together to enjoy food, music, and the natural beauty of the area's waterfront setting.