Fort Myers has a vibrant new hotspot that’s redefining the local culinary and social scene: Bay Street Yard. Located on Bay Street, this innovative food truck park, the brainchild of former Fort Myers Mayor Randy Henderson and real estate entrepreneur David Fry, officially opened its doors, offering a refreshing outdoor dining experience. Henderson humorously noted the absence of “buy-one-get-one free deals” in real estate, contrasting it with the plentiful deals at Publix, emphasizing the unique and deliberate development of this property.
For years, Henderson, who owns the land at 2136 Bay St. adjacent to his Dean Street Court office, used the space primarily as a parking lot. He actively sought a more lucrative and engaging purpose for the land. “It was very challenging, trying to figure out what this place wanted to be when it grew up,” Henderson explained, highlighting the initial uncertainty and the impact of current economic conditions. “There’s a lot of hyper-inflation in the development world right now, that’s a direct threat to that kind of activity. This really made excellent sense.” This context underscores the strategic and timely nature of the Bay Street Yard project.
Bay Street Yard grand opening celebration in Fort Myers, Florida, featuring Randy Henderson and David Fry.
The grand opening on May 29 marked the culmination of Henderson’s vision and Fry’s concept. Bay Street Yard presents a diverse array of culinary options with food trucks specializing in Asian, Mexican, and classic American cuisine. Complementing the food offerings are two fully stocked bars and an impressive elevated party deck. This deck, with a capacity for 70 guests, is available for reservation by groups of eight or more, adding an exclusive dimension to the venue. Food enthusiasts can explore the flavors of Bonzai Asian Street Cuisine, Rick’s Taco Cartel, and Bay Street Butcher, among other featured food trucks, ensuring a broad appeal to diverse palates.
David Fry’s journey to Bay Street Yard is equally compelling. Prior to partnering with Henderson, Fry had conceptualized a similar outdoor dining venue for a property he owned on First Street. In January 2022, he sold his 0.27-acre parcel at 2300 First St. for $2.5 million, a site still earmarked for hotel development. Intriguingly, Henderson’s Bay Street land is also 0.27 acres, a coincidental symmetry that facilitated their collaboration. “I used to have a property over on First Street that I was creating this concept for, but ultimately the property sold,” Fry recounted. “Randy and I got together and decided to build it here.” This synergy between Henderson’s land and Fry’s vision was pivotal in bringing Bay Street Yard to life.
The decision to pursue a food truck park and outdoor bar concept was also driven by economic pragmatism. Developing a more conventional structure, such as a small apartment complex, would have incurred significantly higher costs, potentially reaching tens of millions of dollars, with uncertain profitability. In contrast, Bay Street Yard offered a more financially viable and timely approach to land utilization.
Outdoor seating and bar area at Bay Street Yard food truck park, providing a vibrant social atmosphere in Fort Myers.
Fry’s inspiration for Bay Street Yard predates the pandemic, evolving from a recognition of the growing desire for outdoor social spaces. “What started three, four years ago was my thinking that people wanted to be outside,” Fry explained. “I started thinking, what if there were an outdoor bar? So, I started going online and found some bars in Austin, Texas. I started sketching this concept out. And then COVID hit. And when COVID hit, people wanted to be outside even more. It really made a lot of sense to me.” The pandemic undeniably amplified the appeal of outdoor venues, validating and accelerating Fry’s vision for Bay Street Yard. The design and construction of Bay Street Yard represented a substantial investment of approximately $3 million, reflecting the commitment to creating a high-quality destination. Architect Joyce Owens was responsible for the design, ensuring an aesthetically pleasing and functional space.
Looking ahead, Henderson and Fry anticipate a potentially slower pace during the hotter and rainier months typical of the season. However, they are optimistic about attracting a strong and consistent clientele throughout the remainder of the year. A significant advantage of Bay Street Yard’s location is the adjacent parking garage, which provides shade during the early evenings, enhancing comfort during warmer periods. Additionally, 28 strategically placed fans contribute to maintaining a cooler and more pleasant environment for patrons.
The culinary offerings at Bay Street Yard have already garnered positive feedback. “We were blown away by the food,” Fry remarked, highlighting the management by Paradise Hospitality through Mainsail, the ownership group behind the acclaimed Luminary Hotel across the street. The beverage program is equally impressive, featuring a “full bar” with a full liquor license, a selection of local craft beers, and high-end wines, catering to a wide range of preferences. Fry further emphasized the locational advantage: “This land, it actually made it perfect. We had a totally cool idea. But as I mentioned to you earlier, this garage next door to us is a blessing because of the shade it casts over our property.” This symbiotic relationship with the adjacent infrastructure significantly enhances the appeal and viability of Bay Street Yard as a premier outdoor destination in Fort Myers.
