Midwest native Nick Iaria opened Lost Shot Bar and Grill on Dec. 19 at 2245 Winkler Ave. in Fort Myers. The neighborhood’s newest bar and grill is next to the Luxe 8 Flix Cinema and previously housed Dutch-Way Cafe, Eden A Show Bar and Chicago Boys Bar and Grill.
Iaria, the restaurant’s managing partner, first moved to the area in November 2022, initially to do sales and project management for Hurricane Ian’s rebuild despite having a history of owning and operating restaurants in the Midwest for nearly a decade. However, when the opportunity arose to jump back into the industry, Iaria wasted no time bringing a Midwestern bar and grill menu to Fort Myers.
“I’ve been out here a year, and I’ve run into a lot of really good people,” Iaria said. “Everyone’s spirits are good, and it’s a good little area around here as well. I think we’ll be able to build it up.”
Since the Midwest is known for its tenderloins, Iaria says the four tenderloin options on the menu are no-brainers to try.
Iaria’s original tenderloin sandwich is hand breaded, thick cut and was voted best breaded pork tenderloin by the Iowa Pork Producers Association in 2016. Other tenderloin sandwiches include the chili cheese, bacon Swiss and grilled tenderloin, ranging from $14 to $16.
The menu also offers a variety of handhelds from a Reuben, a half-pound Italian sausage sandwich, a grilled chicken Philly, a breaded cod sandwich, burgers and footlong hotdogs.
Starting the second week of January, all breads at Lost Shot will be made fresh, in-house. Fresh bread at Long Shot will match the rest of all the fresh, homemade ingredients.
The menu is expected to expand with time to include sandwiches with a fresh garlic focaccia. “We’ve always had success that everything’s homemade,” Iaria said. “Barely anything comes in frozen.”
The two things that come in frozen are the french fries and the children’s chicken nuggets, Iaria said.
Lost Shot also offers appetizers, including breaded mushrooms, jalapeno poppers and fried pickle spears, each at $10. The loaded nachos and wings, with sauces, such as flaming honey garlic, buffalo, sweet chili and Caribbean jerk are the pricier appetizer options at $16 each.
Soups, salads and sides are offered, while the drink menu is currently in the works for the new bar and grill. “We’re getting started and we’ll make changes as we go,” Iaria said.
Lost Shot hasn’t had an official grand opening yet, but Iaria said he’s planning on one in the new year. Along with the celebration of the new bar, Iaria already has events set up starting in January.
Iowa Blues Hall of Famer Steve E. George will be Lost Shot’s first act from 8:30 to 11:30 p.m. Jan. 13.
Lost Shot currently seats a total of 153 and is open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sundays.
