New concept planned for longtime waterfront Fort Myers restaurant property

A Southwest Florida restaurateur is cooking up a new waterfront eatery near downtown Fort Myers. Leonard Lemmer plans to open Nellie’s Boatyard at 2024 W. First St., overlooking the Caloosahatchee River, in late 2026.

Previously, the First Street location was home to the Chart House, built in 1984, until Joe’s Crab Shack opened there in 2003. After its lease expired, Joe’s Crab Shack closed in 2025.

“We jumped at the chance to be involved,” Lemmer says in a statement, "when the opportunity [came] to revitalize the former Joe’s Crab Shack and Chart House with their storied histories."

Lemmer also operates Cantina Laredo in Fort Myers, Nervous Nellie’s on Fort Myers Beach and Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux in Cape Coral. In July, he bought the 500-seat Nervous Nellie’s property after leasing the restaurant for 12 years, and he plans to feature some of its popular menu items at Nellie’s Boatyard, the statement says. The purchase of Nervous Nellie’s was $8.25 million, according to Lee County property records.

Nellie’s Boatyard will accommodate 250 diners and also feature a 40-seat circular bar. It will employ more than 100 hospitality staff, according to a statement, and focus on aged steaks and local seafood. Before opening the restaurant, Lemmer is planning extensive interior remodeling and landscaping projects.

The restaurant will be located within the Legacy Harbour redevelopment. It will overlook a new 131- slip marina that is one component of the project. The proposed mixed-use redevelopment also includes two 25-story riverfront towers and a parking garage, according to a statement.