Celebrity chef Fabio Viviani has launched Chuck Lager Legendary Kitchen in south Fort Myers, featuring his famous meatballs that beat Bobby Flay. The restaurant, a collaboration with local partner Jim Tover, opened on January 26 after a complete renovation. It offers global flavors, an extensive menu, and live music on weekends.
Fabio Viviani, known as a fan favorite from Top Chef season 5 on Bravo and for defeating Bobby Flay on the Food Network show 'Beat Bobby Flay' with his meatballs, has expanded his Fabio Viviani Hospitality group—overseeing 30 to 40 culinary ventures—to Fort Myers. The new Chuck Lager Legendary Kitchen, named after a fictional global adventurer, opened on January 26 at 9980 University Plaza Drive, near Gulf Coast Town Center, in the space previously occupied by Chili's.
Jim Tover, a Fort Myers resident who moved from Boston in 2017 after 40 years in financial services, partnered with Viviani on the project. 'Fabio is fantastic,' Tover said. 'He’s such a good partner, very involved. And (Fabio Viviani Hospitality) is helping out to make sure we’re successful.' The site underwent a complete renovation, including the kitchen, front of house, and addition of an outdoor patio, which has performed well seasonally.
Chris Neal, director of operations for Fabio Viviani Hospitality, highlighted the location's potential: 'The growth opportunity in this market is great. We’re in really good company here. We’re surrounded by hotels, good anchors (in GCTC), the airport, the college (FGCU).' The interior features leather-backed booths, high and low-topped tables, rich wood tones, and a modern feel, with an indoor/outdoor patio bar alongside a large main dining room bar.
The menu emphasizes global flavors with Fabio's twists, described by Tover as 'really different than your typical upscale casual restaurant' at a good price point. It includes 15 starters, 14 pastas, entrees like steaks, fish, and seafood, plus soups, salads and bowls, burgers, flatbreads, handhelds, and tacos. Best-sellers include the Italian Cubano, Philly cheesesteak on an Amoroso roll, and Cajun pasta. The beef and ricotta meatballs—using the same recipe that beat Flay—are available as an appetizer on herb polenta, an entree with spaghetti, or a sandwich. Neal confirmed: 'It’s the same meatball recipe. Same sauce. It’s a great dish. It’s a staple in most of our restaurants.'
Daily fish specials rotate nightly, and a kids' menu offers $10 items with a rubber duck scavenger hunt—finding all 12 ducks earns a prize. Open about a month, the restaurant has started strong, drawing crowds for happy hour from 3-6 p.m. Monday to Friday, patio drinks, and live music on Fridays and Saturdays. It boasts an extensive bourbon list, 14 draft beers, and plenty of bottles and cans. Tover noted: 'There really is something for everyone here.' The restaurant operates daily from 11 a.m.; contact (239) 689-8049 or visit chucklager.com.