New Businesses Coming to East Naples

It seems our Winter Residents are arriving a little sooner this year, and I'm guessing they want to see if any damage has occurred to their property, and I don't blame them. We were advised on TV that this wouldn't be a catastrophic storm/hurricane, but as the time advanced, they found that the hurricane had a mind of its own, and it really belted some of our community, and yet barely touched other parts. Again, you see how our great community worked together to help their neighbors and themselves! Some of my family lost both cars and part of their homes, some were hardly touched, and others weren't hit very hard. I hope everyone is recovering and doing well.

There were quite a few good news items that also came to the surface. The first news was Brunina's Pizza and Pasta Restaurant brought on a new chef and expanded services to their restaurant

on U. S. 41 and Thomasson Drive. I was invited to come and see their kitchen, and I was amazed that they could fit all those people in one kitchen, but there they were, happily working together in their spotless kitchen! Brunina was there as usual, always at the restaurant meeting the people, speaking Italian to everyone who wanted to speak to her, but yes, she speaks English as well.

I'm guessing they have been at that location for at least 20 years! This is the REAL thing! They have a full bar as well, and of course they take all the major credit cards. My friend Jeanie and I had so much fun there and Brunina's son, Giuseppe, spoke to us and others around us. I know of people who will come all the way from North Naples to the restaurant, but also many from Marco Island and Isles of Capri. But then, we frequent their home restaurants as well. It's fun to try other restaurants, especially out of season when you can get in rather easily.

• A new restaurant is coming to East Naples (remember I mentioned last week there is no south Naples, only East Naples - and it IS the County Seat!) It's in the Restaurant Row area at 951/U.S.41E, called Miller's Ale House. They were established in North Naples but are now coming to East Naples. The building is close to being ready for occupancy shortly, located near the Texas Roadhouse in the cluster of restaurants in that shopping center plus many other shoppers delights businesses. It's always a busy place!

• If you happen to drive along U. S. 41 E., you might have noticed the sign announcing a hotel is being built behind Culver's Ice Cream, but ALSO in that same area, they are beginning to build a new home for the Lamborghini Dealership! Wow! It seems many of the premier car dealerships are coming to this area, including the Ultimate Garage! There are some exciting times ahead for that area! First it was the Porsche, then BMW, etc. also many sports car dealerships with exotic vehicles and prices!