A long-awaited new addition to Downtown Bonita Springs is finally nearing the finish line.
Hide A Wai, a new mojito bar and rum distillery from the team behind Alligator Bay Distillers, is preparing to open this July inside the former Imperial River Laundromat building on Old 41. While the concept has evolved since it was first announced, the vision remains the same: create a uniquely Florida experience that celebrates local agriculture, handcrafted rum, and community.
For Brothers Ben and Alex Voss and their partner Matt Slaughter, the journey to Downtown Bonita has been years in the making.
Ben, who was born and raised in Naples and moved to Bonita Springs in 2011, said they had long hoped to open a location in Downtown Bonita Springs. Finding the right property, however, proved challenging.
Because they actively distill their spirits, the location needed commercial zoning while also fitting within the walkable downtown district they envisioned. Through local connections, they learned the former Imperial River Laundromat property would soon become available.
“We had about two weeks to make a decision,” Ben said. “We jumped on it immediately.”
The project officially broke ground about a year ago, but several design revisions extended the timeline. Now, after months of planning and construction, the owners are preparing to welcome guests into what they describe as a completely different experience from their original Punta Gorda location.
A Mojito Bar Unlike Anything Else in Southwest Florida
While Alligator Bay’s Punta Gorda location focused heavily on distillery tours and tastings, Hide A Wai is designed first and foremost as a neighborhood gathering place.
The 45-seat venue will operate more like a tropical cocktail bar, with guests ordering at the bar before finding a seat and relaxing with friends.
The star of the menu will be Hide A Wai’s signature mojitos, made using fresh-pressed sugarcane juice sourced from Farmer Mike’s U-Pick in Bonita Springs.
According to the owners, they are the only bar in the area producing mojitos this way, giving guests a fresh, authentic flavor that can’t be replicated with syrups or concentrates.
In addition to classic mojitos, the menu will feature seasonal variations, alcohol-free “faux-jitos,” coffee, charcuterie boards, sandwiches, salads, and other light fare.
The team is also developing a sports-drink-inspired beverage made from fresh sugarcane juice and electrolytes, along with a rum-based version of the popular ranch water cocktail.
Though rum will be the primary spirit at opening, the owners hope to collaborate with other distillers in the future to expand their offerings.
Built by Local Craftsmen
One of the most striking aspects of Hide A Wai is how much of the space was created by local artisans.
The owners designed all of the outdoor furniture in collaboration with Carlos of Black Mangrove Woodworks in Bonita Springs and Keith Kozma of Kozma Welding & Fabrication, who completed the custom metal fabrication throughout the property.
Visitors will notice a backlit privacy wall near the entrance, custom metalwork incorporated into the bar, and the company’s signature alligator emblem woven throughout the design.
There are also subtle nods to Southwest Florida’s agricultural history.
Visitors will also notice several subtle nods to Southwest Florida’s agricultural heritage throughout the space. Steel beams beneath the tables were designed to resemble railroad tracks, while vintage-style tractor seats incorporated into the seating pay tribute to the region’s farming roots and long history of sugarcane production.
Distilling in Downtown Bonita Springs
One of the biggest advantages of the property is its rare industrial zoning, which allows Hide A Wai to continue distilling on-site.
The team currently has rum aging in barrels ranging from three to eight years old and plans to actively distill at the Downtown Bonita location.
While state regulations prevent them from selling bottles directly from the property, guests will still be able to enjoy spirits produced on-site through the bar’s cocktail program.
The distilling operation itself will remain an important part of the business and a key element of what makes the concept unique.
More Than Just Mojitos
The owners envision Hide A Wai becoming a community gathering place that evolves throughout the week.
They plan to operate seven days a week and stay open past midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. Future plans include live music, Latin nights, speed dating events, silent discos, and other themed gatherings designed to bring people together.
With a capacity of 62 guests, the intimate setting is expected to offer a different atmosphere than many of the larger venues now opening throughout Downtown Bonita Springs.
For the Voss brothers, the project also represents a new chapter that emerged from difficult circumstances. After Hurricane Ian destroyed Alex’s home, the family chose to channel that challenge into an opportunity to build something new together.
Now, after years of searching for the right location and months of construction, Hide A Wai is nearly ready to open its doors.
The owners are currently awaiting final survey approvals and expect to open sometime in July.
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