Naples City Council approves new pier entrance design without concession stand

NAPLES, Fla. —

Naples city leaders approved a new design for the entrance of the Naples Pier on Wednesday, marking another step forward in rebuilding the landmark destroyed by Hurricane Ian in 2022.

One of the biggest changes: the new pier will not include a concession stand.

For decades, visitors walking down the pier could stop for snacks like ice cream or hot dogs. But city council members decided not to bring concessions back.

The city originally considered moving the concession stand from the middle of the pier to the land side entrance. That idea came after federal regulators would not allow concessions to be rebuilt on the pier itself.

Some nearby residents raised concerns about the new location, saying a concession stand could bring more crowds, traffic and food smells near their beachfront homes.

During Wednesday’s meeting, council members debated the idea.

"Mark my words, if we don't have concessions, we are going to get lambasted by our residents and our tourists," said Naples City Council member Berne Barton.

But other council members said they preferred a smaller option instead of a permanent food stand.

"And I would suggest that wheeling the cart for ice cream and water may be a fine solution. Having concessions is an absolute no for me," said Naples City Council member Bill Kramer.

Instead, the city may allow a small cart selling drinks and ice cream near the pier.

The approved design also includes a small Naples police substation with an accessible bathroom near the entrance. It reduces shaded seating on the south side and moves beach showers out from under the covered area.

Some visitors say they would have liked to see concessions return.

"Oh, I think it would be also great for people to, to create jobs so they can also earn money," said Joaquin Zalba, who was visiting Naples from Argentina.

The decision could benefit some small business owners who already serve beachgoers nearby.

Richard Muller, owner of Divine Naples, delivers food, drinks, chairs, umbrellas and more directly to people on the beach using a small red Japanese fire truck.

"Once you park your car. You don't want to leave because you're going to lose parking space. And when you have a family and kids get hungry, what do you do?" Muller said.

Muller said he previously offered to work with the city.

"A lot of people don't know. There's no restaurant. There's already no bathroom. There's nowhere to go. So we approached City of Naples, saying don't we just work with local businesses and create a QR code with an informational base to help local businesses, and also give them ideas when you know something is not that far from the beach or there's a service that can bring it to the beach. And we've been told, no," said Muller.

Meanwhile, demolition work on the old pier is continuing. City leaders say all the wood has been removed, and about 30 to 40 percent of the concrete has already been taken down.

Electrical work is expected to begin March 10, and additional restroom trailers are expected to be added in the parking lot around the same time.

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