Bay Street Yard is now open as downtown Fort Myers’ newest destination for live entertainment, craft beer, artisan cocktails and food trucks.

More than 300 dignitaries, community partners and guests came together on May 29 for a ribbon cutting ceremony to commemorate the grand opening of the new venue, at 2136 Bay St. in Fort Myers.

Bay Street Yard is a casual, yet upscale, outdoor entertainment venue with seating for over 300 people, two full-service bars and three unique food truck concepts serving up tailored menu options. With an emphasis on entertainment, the 12,000-square-foot venue offers a covered stage for live performances and popular DJs, an impressive 8-foot by 13-foot LED TV screen to view sporting events and other performances, and a variety of outdoor games such as cornhole, ping pong, bocce and more.

Co-owned by longtime Southwest Floridians David Fry and Randy Henderson, the destination is managed in partnership with Mainsail Lodging & Development and led onsite by General Manager Mimi Wallace and a team of 30 full- and part-time employees with an emphasis on top-tier customer experience and service.

“It’s exciting to see our vision come to life here in downtown Fort Myers, and we welcome the community to come out to enjoy an outdoor experience that’s complete with top-tier entertainment, craft beverages and dining, along with exceptional customer service,” Fry said. “We’re proud to open our doors as a new destination to socialize, entertain and be entertained.”

Bay Street Yard touts an extensive bar menu, with signature cocktails such as the Southern Belle, which features Ketel One Peach and Orange Blossom, raspberry and citrus; Summer Smash, featuring Buffalo Trace, Aperol, hibiscus and passion fruit; and Smoke on the Water, featuring Del Maguey Vida, smoked red bell pepper and orange jalapeno-habanero agave reduction. A wide selection of wine and spirits are on the menu; a craft beer list features rotating local and national spotlights. Bottle service is also available for VIP guests.

Bay Street Yard is partnering with Paradise Hospitality Group to bring three permanent food trucks that are unique to the venue. Concepts include Bay Street Butcher, Bonzai Asian Street Cuisine and Rick’s Taco Cartel.

For American classics, Bay Street Butcher serves up shareables such as BBQ Skins, Bay Street Wings, Crispy Cluck Bucket and Wagyu Sliders. Handheld options include the Classic Smashburger and Cheesesteak Melt, and Glizzies range from classic Chili Cheese to the Spicy Laura.

Bonzai features Asian street cuisine with highlights such as Coconut Shrimp, Kung Pao Chicken Dumplings, Pork Wings, Ahi Tuna Crisp, Pork Belly Bao Buns, Bonzai Noodles and Tenderloin and Chicken Skewers.

Rick’s Taco Cartel spotlights Mexican street cuisine with Guacamole, Hatch Chili Queso, Baystreet Nachos, Elote Bites and Churros. Taco options include Pastor, Birria Con Queso, Chorizo, Pibil Chicken and Vegan served on corn tortillas.

Featuring an urban-chic atmosphere complete with shipping containers and greenery, Bay Street Yard also offers The Loft, a second level for VIP seating and exclusive experiences for parties of eight or more. Additionally, the destination will serve as a venue for private events, corporate functions, nonprofit fundraisers, weddings, reunions and more, with accommodations for 451 people and virtual streaming capabilities. To make a VIP reservation at The Loft, or to learn more about private events, visit BayStreetYard.com/private-events.

During the summer months, Bay Street Yard is open Thursday from 4 p.m. to midnight, Friday from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m., Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m., Sunday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Monday from 4 to 10 p.m. Although the venue is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays this summer, the space can be reserved for private events.

For more information and details on upcoming music and events at Bay Street Yard, visit BayStreetYard.com or follow along on Facebook and Instagram.

About Bay Street Yard

Bay Street Yard is a new outdoor multi-level venue in downtown Fort Myers that houses multiple bars, food trucks and a state-of-the-art experience for live entertainment. The city’s newest destination to socialize, entertain and be entertained, Bay Street Yard is located at 2136 Bay St. in Fort Myers. To learn more, visit BayStreetYard.com.