File photo by NATHAN MAYBERG Shucker’s will be celebrating again May 8 when it holds its 100th anniversary party in a 1920s theme.

Shucker’s at the Gulfshore will mark 100 years since the property first opened for business on Fort Myers Beach this May 8 with a celebration at its Estero Boulevard location.

Back in 1921, the site was known as “The Crescent Beach Casino” and so in honor of that prohibition period the restaurant will hold a casino-themed shindig which will also serve as a fundraiser for Beach Elementary School. Flapper and gangster costumes of the time will be encouraged.

“Mostly this is about raising money for our students and teachers at Fort Myers Beach Elementary,” Shucker’s General Manager Brian Nagle said. “It’s a great way to give back to the community.”

Nagle said he wanted to use the restaurant’s platform to “take care of our students, take care of our teachers. We’ve had a successful year.”

Nagle said this season has been the best the restaurant has seen. “It’s been a record-breaking year,” he said.

“We’ve been under the same ownership for 50 years but I’m a big history buff and the fact that this structure is still standing after 100 years is just something I really thought should be celebrated.”

There will be a speakeasy entrance, red carpet and the entire Shucker’s dining area will be full of craps, roulette, and poker tables with prizes for winners.

There have already been donations for prizes including personal watercraft rentals and weekend stays.

“With the pandemic the school has been unable to do most of their fundraising and this is something really close to my heart,” Nagle said.

His sister Lory teaches at St. Francis Xavier Catholic School in Fort Myers and his father was a teacher and principal in New Jersey.

“I feel so honored to be part of a company that is more than just a business,” Nagle said. “Shucker’s and The Cottage is such an amazing platform to help our community and we want to make sure we do our part and set an example for other local businesses.”

The plan is to have a cocktail hour beginning at 7 p.m. with the casino games running from 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. There will be a $5 cover.

No reservations will be necessary. “Come in as you are,” he said. “It will be a big, fun, end-of-year party.” A summer beach cleanup is planned two weeks later.

The Shucker’s property has undergone a number of transformations since it was a casino. During World War II, it housed soldiers. It has operated as an inn in the past as well as a beach house.

“It’s been an icon in the area for so long,” Nagle said.

Shucker’s at the Gulfshore is offering sponsorship opportunities for the celebration. For additional information on how to donate or contribute, please contact Shucker’s at the Gulfshore at  239-464-9787.