REAL ENGLEWOOD AREA DISH

It's Time Again For LET'S EAT! ENGLEWOOD

September 16, 2021 at 4:16 p.m.

The Englewood Florida Chamber of Commerce Let’s Eat! Englewood restaurant promotion is always a celebration of local restaurants and local residents. This year, the dining deals come with challenges as restaurants face staffing issues and an uptick in COVID-19 cases in Florida. Restaurants on West Dearborn Street are facing even more challenges this year as the renovation project has closed a portion of the street. Englewood’s On Dearborn and La Stanza are both closing for vacation, so they won’t be part of the event this year.
Let’s Eat! Englewood takes place September 16-30, although some restaurants may extend their menus throughout the fall. The standard deal is a two-course lunch for $15 and a three-course dinner for $29. However, many places will throw in an extra course or even cut the price of the Let’s Eat offer. For example, at Obee’s Subs, you can get two meals for $15 and at Texas Best Barbecue $29 will get dinner for two.
Doug Izzo is the new Executive Director of the Chamber, and a graduate of Lemon Bay High School with a long history in the area. He feels that Let’s Eat! Englewood is “more important than ever.” Izzo noted the promotion’s role is introducing those new to the area to the local dining scene and bringing long-time residents to new places, while giving restaurants the chance to showcase new menu items.
“We are well aware of the challenges affecting our businesses and talk with them daily on what they need,” said Izzo. “We heard straight from the restaurants that they are not only ready for Let's Eat! Englewood, but are looking forward to it.”
Restaurants do not have to pay to be part of the event, but they must belong to the Chamber. Izzo said restaurants usually see about a 30% increase in sales during what is typically the slowest month of the year. At press time, 22 restaurants had signed on to participate including long-time eateries like Mango Bistro, Farlow’s on the Water and Prime Time Steak & Spirits, and brand-new destinations, including Artur’s Restaurant and TJ’s Market Grill. These restaurants cover a lot of ground, from Ephesus Mediterranean Grill in South Gulf Cove to Rumours Wine Bar in North Englewood and everywhere in between.
“This year,” said Izzo, “in an effort led by members of the Chamber’s Board of Directors, more local businesses and individuals are sponsoring menu items. You’ll see Amber Craft’s Steak Salad at Ricaltini’s Bar & Grill and the Jonathan Varner Smoked Outlaw Pork Chop at Sandbar Tiki & Grille, among others.”
While this September may be far from typical, Izzo believes that there’s one constant that should guarantee another successful event. “The community is always ready to step up and support our local businesses. That’s what makes Englewood so great.”