Sanibel-Captiva Restaurant Group Leads Island Comeback Three Years After Hurricane

In the aftermath of Hurricane Ian in 2022, a restaurant roundtable group was formed on Sanibel and Captiva Island to support local businesses and reboot the area's economy. The SanCap Chamber facilitated the formation of the roundtable group, and today it has representation from approximately 26 restaurants on both islands. The roundtable's purpose promotes partner-based and collaborative efforts in marketing and sharing information to access recovery and growth.

The group serves as a platform for restaurant owners to share information on reopening, hiring staff, and overcoming post-storm hurdles. Members work together to find creative solutions and encourage tourism. Campaigns like Savor the Shore and extended toll abatement on the Sanibel Causeway have been especially effective in drawing visitors back to the islands.

“We identified there was a gap. There was a need,” Chamber President and Chief Executive Officer, John Lai, said, adding that it was challenging drawing customers in during the off-season, plus there was the lack of residents post-hurricane.

“We didn't view ourselves as competitors,” Russo said of those that had reopened. “The general thought was, ‘How do we, as a collective group who have a shared interest and are codependent on each, draw customers?' It was really meant to be a sounding board and a way to bring people together,” Russo said. “And a way to bring awareness that people don't need to stay away.”

By late August 2025, about 75% of the islands' restaurants were open, surpassing initial recovery expectations. The current initiatives are bringing in the local community and visitors alike through cooperative initiatives and partnerships with local officials.
“We've got about 26 restaurants represented from both islands,” Lai said of present day. “We've got a group of great leaders who are willing to share ideas and thoughts to make sure we all succeed.”

Looking ahead, the group plans to continue launching campaigns and outreach efforts to maintain momentum. Their unified approach highlights the value of community-driven recovery while strengthening the future of Sanibel and Captiva's dining and tourism industries.