Southwest Florida’s business scene in 2026 is sending a clear message: national brands are tightening up — while experiential, wellness and luxury concepts are doubling down.

Here’s what’s officially opened, what’s closed, and what’s reshaping Naples and the surrounding area so far this year.

🍸 Spotlight: Tipsy Corner Expands the Game in North Naples

The Tipsy Corner continues gaining momentum in North Naples.

📍 8855 Immokalee Rd Unit #17, Naples, FL 34120
Website: https://tipsycorner.com

Positioned as a high-energy sports and entertainment venue, The Tipsy Corner features 75 televisions — the most of any venue in Naples — making it a true game-day headquarters.

But this isn’t just about screens.

The concept blends elevated, chef-driven menu items with craft cocktails and a vibrant social atmosphere that transitions seamlessly from daytime watch parties to lively evening entertainment. Think polished interiors, big-game intensity, and a nightlife-forward vibe — all under one roof.

In a year where national chains are pulling back, locally driven, experience-first venues like The Tipsy Corner are stepping up — and drawing crowds.

🌊 Acqua Bistecca Opens in Bonita Springs

Acqua Bistecca opened Jan. 21 overlooking Estero Bay at Saltleaf Marina.

The restaurant is powered by James Beard Award-winning chef Michael Mina and operated by The Mina Group.

This marks one of the most high-profile restaurant openings in Southwest Florida this year — bringing global culinary credibility to Bonita Springs’ evolving luxury waterfront scene.

Website: https://www.acquabistecca.com/location/estero-bay/

💪 Southwest Florida’s First Fresh Monkee Coming to Coconut Point

Fresh Monkee is opening its first Southwest Florida location at Coconut Point in Estero.

Fresh Monkee focuses on:

• High-protein smoothies

• No added sugar blends

• Clean-label ingredients

• Fitness-forward nutrition

Website: https://freshmonkee.com

With Coconut Point’s consistent foot traffic and strong wellness demographic, this is a strategic expansion into a high-performing retail corridor.🏬 Saks Off 5th Closing in Naples

Saks Off 5th is permanently closing its Naples store as parent company Saks Global Enterprises restructures under Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.

📍 4135 Ninth St. N., Naples (Park Shore Plaza)
27,000 square feet
Opened in 2016

Naples is one of six Florida locations closing. Others include Destin, Ellenton, Lutz, Orlando and Vineland. Stores may operate through April, though no firm closing date has been announced.

Current in-store sale details:

• 25% off shoes

• 20%+ off apparel, handbags and jewelry

• All sales final

“SaksFirst” gift cards are accepted at Off 5th locations through Feb. 18, 2026, and will continue to be valid at Saks Fifth Avenue stores and SaksFifthAvenue.com.

Important clarification: The Saks Fifth Avenue anchor at Waterside Shops remains open and unaffected.

This is a restructuring move — not a luxury retail collapse in Naples.

🥪 Kelly’s Roast Beef Exits Southwest Florida

Kelly's Roast Beef has officially shut down its Southwest Florida presence.

Closures include:

• Founders Square (Immokalee Road, North Naples)

• Dani Drive near Topgolf (Fort Myers)

• Gateway Shoppes at North Bay (13585 Tamiami Trail N., Naples)

The Gateway location opened in March 2025 and closed after roughly 10 months. The Founders Square drive-thru had operated since August 2023, and the Fort Myers location opened in September 2024.

Kelly’s, a Boston-based brand known for North Shore roast beef sandwiches and New England seafood, was acquired by private equity firm AAM15 Management in early 2025. The chain now maintains its core New England locations, with Florida expansion efforts largely pulled back.

🍽️ Uncle Julio’s Closes in Naples

Uncle Julio's has closed its Naples location at 4135 Ninth St. N. as part of broader operational and financial challenges impacting the chain nationally.

Another example of casual dining brands reassessing market performance and footprint.

🏬 Saks Off 5th Closing in Naples

Saks Off 5th is permanently closing its Naples store as parent company Saks Global Enterprises restructures under Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.

📍 4135 Ninth St. N., Naples (Park Shore Plaza)
27,000 square feet
Opened in 2016

Naples is one of six Florida locations closing. Others include Destin, Ellenton, Lutz, Orlando and Vineland. Stores may operate through April, though no firm closing date has been announced.

Current in-store sale details:

• 25% off shoes

• 20%+ off apparel, handbags and jewelry

• All sales final

“SaksFirst” gift cards are accepted at Off 5th locations through Feb. 18, 2026, and will continue to be valid at Saks Fifth Avenue stores and SaksFifthAvenue.com.

Important clarification: The Saks Fifth Avenue anchor at Waterside Shops remains open and unaffected.

This is a restructuring move — not a luxury retail collapse in Naples.

🏥 $350 Million Healthcare Expansion at NCH North

NCH Healthcare System announced a $350 million expansion at its North Naples campus in partnership with Nicklaus Children's Hospital.

The new four-story, 156,000-square-foot pavilion will include:

• Modern labor and delivery suites

• Advanced operating rooms

• Enhanced maternal-fetal medicine

• Expanded women’s health services

• A Level III NICU

The project significantly upgrades pediatric and maternal care in Collier County — reducing the need for families to travel outside the region for specialized services.

The 2026 Business Trend So Far

Two themes are emerging:

National brands are consolidating.
Retail restructuring and franchise exits are real — but strategic.

Experiential, wellness and high-end concepts are rising.
Waterfront dining, specialty nutrition, healthcare expansion and elevated entertainment venues are investing in Southwest Florida’s future.

Naples isn’t slowing down.

It’s evolving.