Iconic Sanibel restaurant reopens with same retro vibe, new look and a few surprises
The Original Cheeburger Cheeburger is back and all grown up.
Well, sort of.
The iconic Sanibel restaurant reopened in Tahitian Gardens plaza on April 11 after being closed for 18 months.
R.L.R Investments purchased, then closed it for remodeling just before Hurricane Ian struck Southwest Florida.
“We did not have a lot of damage from the hurricane,” said Beck Miller, general manager of the Sundial Beach Resort, which the Wilmington, Ohio, and Fort Myers-based real estate investment company also owns. “We had already started remodeling.”
And what a makeover it received.
“Everything is new except (one item) in the back,” said Miller, referring to the Chevrolet Bel Air-driving Elvis wall hanging. “The tables and chairs are a similar style but are brand new. We tore it all out. The walls were pink and now they’re white.”
Vintage and local art hangs on those walls, including works by Terry Gardiner and Rachel Pierce.
And it doesn’t stop there.
Remodel includes new sports bar
Some tables were removed from the center of the vast dining room and a modern sports bar with a vintage vibe was added.
“We’re really going for a family-friendly sports bar,” Miller said. "You can sit at the bar for a drink and yet it’s comfortable enough to bring your kids. It’s not a late-night bar.”
There are 13 TVs scattered around the spacious 32-seat bar, which — complete with classic diner stools — is light, bright and inviting.
The sundae bar is another new addition.
“Come right up to the station and pick your favorite flavors,” Miller said. “Then go to the (modified 1959) Corvette to add toppings.”
With that Vette, a vintage Indian motorcycle and an Elvis statue all positioned in the entryway, the same retro vibe is still at the heart of the restaurant.
A similar menu with more options
And so are the burgers and shakes.
“We still have our smash burgers, fresh-cut fries and onion rings,” Miller said. “The milkshakes are the same ― we have 100 varieties. We have hand-dipped ice cream and boozy milkshakes.”
The burger challenge is back, only in a bigger 2.0 form. Those who conquer the task get a T-shirt and their photo on an endless loop on a TV near the bar.
Along with these Cheeburger Cheeburger staples are new menu items including grouper and hot spicy chicken sandwiches, fish & chips, a build-your-own salad option, and shrimp and grouper tacos.
“We really focused on the bar menu too,” Miller said. “There are lots of good munchies.”
Think fried pickles, portobello French fries, chicken wings, coconut shrimp and more.
Overseeing it all is general manager Sithembile Khumalo who came over from Sundial.
“She’s a ball of energy, lots of fun,” Miller said. “She is the perfect person, has the perfect energy for this concept.”
Cheeburger Cheeburger first came to Sanibel in 1986.
More: Restaurant openings, closings from Cape Coral to Sanibel, including a waterfront return
“We are going to bring back that same fun energy to the island,” Miller said. “It’s good for families, good for takeout if you’re heading to the beach. Come pop in for a milkshake and enjoy.”
The Original Cheeburger Cheeburger, 1975 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel; open 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday; closed Monday; (239) 748-1150; cheeburger.com or follow on Facebook.
Robyn George is a food and dining reporter for The News-Press. Connect at rhgeorge@fortmyers.gannett
This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Cheeburger Cheeburger reopens on Sanibel with new look, same vibe
