Naples Chef Kayla Pfeiffer Announces Bold New Restaurant After Earning National Recognition

Naples culinary rising star Kayla Pfeiffer is making waves once again.

After co-founding the inventive Bicyclette Cookshop with Louis Mele in late 2023, Pfeiffer has captured national attention — including a coveted spot on USA Today’s 2025 Restaurants of the Year list. The eatery is known for its boundary-pushing menu rooted in creativity rather than tradition.

But that’s just one of many highlights on Pfeiffer’s impressive resume. The under-30 chef won Food Network’s “Chopped” in 2024, previously helmed the kitchens at Naples favorites The French on Fifth Avenue South and Bar Tulia in Mercato, and played a key role in launching PJK Neighborhood Chinese.

This year, she earned even more acclaim as a semifinalist for the James Beard Foundation’s prestigious Emerging Chef award, according to a recent article by Kendall Little of Naples Daily News.

Now, Pfeiffer is cooking up her next big project — a brand-new restaurant right here in Naples.

“We’re thrilled to share that we’ve signed the lease for Heyday Cookshop,” Pfeiffer announced. The new restaurant will open near U.S. 41 and Neapolitan Way and will feature a distinctive New American menu, separate from Bicyclette but with the same innovative spirit.

More than just a place to eat, Heyday aims to be a creative hub. “We want this to be a community gathering place — a space where chefs can collaborate and diners can experience something vibrant and new,” Pfeiffer said. She added that the restaurant will incorporate curated art and music to reflect the team’s energy and passion.

Pfeiffer expects Heyday Cookshop to open by the end of the year, with more updates coming soon.

In the meantime, fans can experience her unique style at Bicyclette Cookshop, located at 819 Vanderbilt Beach Road in Naples.

This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News

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