Hibachi One opens as Cape Coral dining options expand locally

CAPE CORAL, Fla. (WINK)—A new hibachi restaurant is opening on Cape Coral Parkway East, adding to a growing mix of dining options that locals say reflects what the city has been missing.

Change isn't happening with one big announcement. It's showing up piece by piece.

"The more the merrier," two different people said when asked about the new businesses. From local favorites like Tito's Cantina to newer spots like Indian Breeze, and now Hibachi One, this part of Cape Coral Parkway East is starting to feel different.

Chelsea Harris is in town visiting her friend Dawn Fries. For her, Hibachi One is the kind of development that helps a street feel more alive.

"My least favorite thing is to go to a chain when I'm traveling," Harris said. "So I think having different options that might be locally owned is a great option for people."

"The diversity is terrific," one resident said. "We love all kinds of different—you love Indian, Japanese and Chinese."

Fort Myers local Jack Mount said this kind of variety could help more than just the new restaurants. He said it could help turn this from a pass-through area into more of a destination.

"A rising tide lifts all ships," Mount said.

Turn onto Cape Coral Parkway East and the nearby side streets, and people say you can start to see the change. Businesses like Jungle Bird, Tito's Cantina, Indian Breeze, and now Hibachi One are giving people more reasons to stay close to home while still finding something different.

"The more diverse you get, the more different kind of cultures you get into the area," Mount said. "And people love to see things that they're familiar with. So if you can bring other communities into your community that only improves your overall economy."