Photos Courtesy of: Bonita Bill’s

Bonita Bills of Fort Myers Beach announced elast month that ist would be closing its doors after 30 years in business. The property was under contract for purchase by an unknown buyer. Rumors circulated the island, believing Doc Ford’s to be the purchaser. This week, we learned that the rumor was true.

The restaurant has operated under the Matanza’s Pass bridge since opening in 1991. The waterfront bar and grill has always been a hotspot for casual food and drinks. Their motto “No Shirt? No Shoes? Can we get you a beer?” sets the tone for the restaurant’s laidback vibe.

Bonita Bill’s gained even more popularity at Hurricane Ian, which filled the restaurant with over 10 feet of water and planted a yacht on their dock. The boat quickly became a tourist attraction and a frequent photo spot.

Closing the restaurant was a tough decision to make, but a few unfortunate factors led to the end of the Bonita Bill’s era. Just four months after Hurricane Ian destroyed the restaurant, owner Bill Semmer passed away.  ‘The uphill battle of costly repairs and construction, rising operating, labor, and food costs, and a changing market” on top of Bill’s death forced the owners to put the property up for sale.

The owners of Doc’ Ford’s closed on the property earlier this month for $5.5 million. They are currently renovating the building and plan to reopen at Bonita Fish Company in the Spring.

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