Naples restaurant changes: Phelan Family Brands’ Plan B for Yabba downtown on Fifth Ave.
What was initially planned as Phelan’s Fifth Ave., a flagship for the 25-and-counting Phelan Family Brands restaurants, will now become Keewaydin’s, replacing Yabba Island Grill, which closed July 2.
Calling from Crete, Grant Phelan said he expects to have the new restaurant ready for guests in November.
“We started looking at the market, spending time day, night and morning on Fifth and Third Street South assessing the marketplace. Originally, we thought we were going with a high-end concept, but after researching and looking at the market, we decided it would be better to do an upscale-casual-style restaurant,” Phelan said.
He calls the concept “Tommy Bahama-esque.”
Why Keewaydin’s? Growing up, Phelan spent much of his free time fishing and boating. The restaurant will celebrate “the beauty of Keewaydin and everything Naples has to offer.”
Step one: a minor décor refurbishment of Yabba’s interior. “The bones are fantastic; it already has an incredible inside-outside bar. It just needs a little attention and some love.”
New casual Gulf Coast fare with flair
For anyone who’s spent time on Fifth Avenue South, there are few non-Italian spots for weekday lunching. Gulf-inspired coastal cuisine at any hour? Not yet, but it will play a starring role in Keewaydin's offerings.
The group owns Island Crab Co., where “we source all the fresh ingredients from the Gulf every day. If you wanted a grouper sandwich on Fifth Avenue right now, where do you go? Right now, there isn’t a place. If you wanted a dozen oysters, where would you go? There isn't a place. We'll offer both.”
Another imperative: Filling the 3 to 6 p.m. gap in the Avenue’s current happy hour offerings. Brunch is also in the planning stages.
“Fifth Avenue South is a great street. I feel extremely fortunate and know how great Yabba’s location is. We want to offer a place where people can come and relax and don't have to get dressed up if they don't want to.”
In the meantime, Phelan’s new acquisitions, Pazzo Italian Grill and Chops City Grill, are offering 40% off menu items and wine through October. A few restrictions apply. Visit their Facebook pages for details.
Related: Florida chill, Texas grill: How Phelan Family Brands became Gulf Coast restaurant empire
ICYMI: New in downtown Naples: Iconic SWFL brand buys 3 popular Fifth Avenue South restaurants
This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Yabba Island Grill in Naples to be replaced with Keewaydin’s
