BLUE DOG IS BACK! The reopening of Blue Dog Bar & Grill marks a heartfelt return to business for Matlacha, Fla. Residents and local workers are joining forces with determination, transforming shared challenges into opportunities for community bonding.
John Lynch, alongside his wife, is the proud owner of this cherished eatery—a fixture of island life.
“We’re getting good at something we don’t want to be good at,” John reflected, a hint of both humor and resilience in his voice.
As they prepare to welcome patrons once again, the efforts are reminiscent of a rallying cry; everyone is on deck, embracing this collective endeavor. This—even for seasoned restaurateurs like them—is not new territory.
“Even with a couple of feet of flooding, the motors of most refrigerators and commercial equipment are simply positioned at the bottom, which means we suffered significant losses,” John explained, his candidness showcasing the real toll of the storms.
BLUE DOG IS BACK! Businesses on Matlacha work to reopen
After a grueling month closed due to storm surges from Hurricanes Helene and Milton, the team is eager to roll up their sleeves. They remember the day before Hurricane Milton had struck, when they received a brand new shipment of equipment—elevated meticulously on cinder blocks. “We managed to protect that from the onslaught,” he noted, underscoring the lessons painfully etched by nature’s fury.
This Tuesday’s reopening is already drawing attention, as locals flock to support not only Blue Dog but also the other businesses that collectively weave the fabric of life on the island.
“For visitors from Cape Coral, Fort Myers, and all across SWFL… come on out! The shops here aren’t just businesses; they’re crucial lifelines for our community,” he said, the warmth of his invitation shining through the struggle.
