Mexican Restaurant Caiman Cantina Set to Open in Former Two Fillets Space in North Naples

Phelan Family Brands is introducing a new Mexican restaurant concept, Caiman Cantina, set to open in North Naples by Oct. 15. The restaurant will replace Two Fillets, which opened in March 2022 in the former Randy's Fishmarket Restaurant space in Naples Park. Two Fillets is being repurposed for the new concept, though it may return in the future.

"We're shooting for Oct. 15," said Grant Phelan, CEO of Naples-based Phelan Family Brands. "We're at work in there. The restaurant doesn't need much. It's more paint and decorations than anything, so we're shooting for Oct. 15."

Caiman Cantina is the second large concept change after Phelan Family Brands acquired Hogfish Harry's in March 2025. The Naples-based company owns other brands, including Pinchers and Chops City Grill, which demonstrates the company's approach to providing a variety of dining concepts throughout Southwest Florida.

The decision to launch a Mexican concept stems from CEO Grant Phelan's belief that North Naples has an unmet demand for authentic Mexican cuisine. The area's dining scene is heavily dominated by upper-end steakhouses and new upscale additions like J. Alexander's and Connors Steak & Seafood, so Phelan is hoping to strike a niche with some value-conscious offerings while also laying the groundwork for future growth from Marco Island to Tampa.

"Honestly, I think there's a big hole in the North Naples market for Mexican," he said. "With Two Fillets, we were competing against Capital Grille and Fleming's, and J. Alexander's opened, and Connors is coming across the street from us. There's just a very, very competitive market there."

Drawing on his Texas roots, where his family operated a Tex-Mex restaurant called Mesquite Brand in the 1980s, Phelan has envisioned a menu featuring traditional Mexican dishes with a seafood emphasis. Caiman Cantina will have fajitas, enchiladas, burritos, tacos, tamales, chimichangas, and empanadas, plus a complete tequila bar specializing in margaritas; the restaurant will be creating a uniquely Floridian version of Mexican food, using local ingredients and Gulf Coast seafood.

The branding for Caiman Cantina is a winking caiman with a sombrero, which conveys the vibrant, celebratory spirit and cultural authenticity of the restaurant.

"It's really exciting to see how this concept grows," Phelan said. "Trying to take a more value-conscious effort toward Southwest Florida and then, hopefully, be able to open up more stores from Marco to Tampa."