Food truck park to bring new dining options to Fort Myers Beach

Fort Myers Beach is set to welcome a new food truck park, offering diverse dining options and amenities as the area rebuilds after Hurricane Ian.

"I think bringing more food trucks out here is a great way to get Fort Myers Beach back up and running. So I think it's a great first step," Maxwell Spomar, a Fort Myers resident, said.

The beach community has been recovering for over three years since Hurricane Ian caused widespread destruction, wiping out several buildings and businesses. Among the affected businesses was Mom’s Home Cooking, which was washed away during the storm.

Loyal customers continue to support the restaurant, which now operates from a food truck. Long lines are a common sight.

"Our people are incredibly loyal and we're really well established. We're just happy to be here after the storm, and we're looking forward to being in a more permanent location," Heather Reagan, owner of Mom’s Home Cooking, said.

Reagan is working on reopening her restaurant while new neighbors prepare to move across the street at Access 26 Family Food Truck Park.

Spomar shared his thoughts on the area’s recovery. "I was just thinking while I was walking on the beach this morning, I think it'd be great if we could get more things up and running out of this. And, I mean, the more we can get little steps, it'll bring more people, more business," he said.

Access 26 Family Food Truck Park will feature a two-story building. The first floor will include a bar with covered seating, restaurants, and shops, while the second floor will house storage, office space, restrooms, coolers, and a freezer. Additional amenities will include outdoor showers, guest parking, a play area, and beach access.

There will be five food trucks for visitors to choose from.

A groundbreaking ceremony for the food truck park is scheduled for Monday morning at 9 a.m., and the park is expected to be ready by early next year.