Big Hickory Waterfront Grille & Marina: A Bonita Springs Icon on the Move

For decades, the Big Hickory Waterfront Grille & Marina has been one of Southwest Florida’s most cherished waterfront restaurants — a place where locals, visitors, and boaters alike gathered for fresh seafood, cold drinks, sun-soaked views, and classic Old Florida charm. Sitting on the northern edge of Bonita Beach, the original location became known for its laid-back atmosphere, scenic marina setting, and dockside dining.

Although the restaurant’s longtime home was lost to Hurricane Ian, the spirit of Big Hickory lives on. Plans are underway to bring the beloved establishment back in a new location — and the community is rallying behind the effort.

A Classic Florida Landmark with Deep Local Roots

Big Hickory first gained popularity as part eatery, part marina hub — a place where families, anglers, and boaters connected over fresh Gulf seafood and laid-back meals with water views. Generations of visitors remember sitting on the patio, watching boats slip in and out of the marina, and sharing stories over burgers, fish tacos, grilled grouper, and cold beers.

The restaurant’s character was shaped by its setting: a waterfront location where diners could watch tides shift, boats drift by, and the sun cast golden light on Bonita Bay. It was an unpretentious spot where island vibes and hearty American-coastal fare came together in a way only Southwest Florida can deliver.

The Impact of Hurricane Ian and New Beginnings

In September 2022, Hurricane Ian swept through Southwest Florida and caused severe destruction to much of the region — including the original Big Hickory location. The restaurant’s building was so heavily damaged that rebuilding at the same site proved impossible under current regulations, and the old property was ultimately sold.

Rather than letting the story end there, the owners embarked on a new plan: to build a new home for Big Hickory Waterfront Grille & Marina along Bonita Beach Road, on a larger waterfront parcel that will allow the restaurant to return bigger and stronger. This redevelopment — sometimes referred to by locals as “Big Hickory 2.0” — aims to include a redesigned dining space with indoor and waterside seating, as well as additional neighborhood amenities like a sweet shop, coffee spot, and casual sandwich café.

Because the site sits in a special municipal overlay zone with strict setback and parking rules, the owners are navigating public hearings and zoning processes — and they need local support so that Big Hickory can come back to Bonita Beach with the charm and waterside access the community loves.

Local supporters can attend public meetings, share positive feedback with city leaders, and help advocate for the restaurant and its return to the waterfront.

What Made Big Hickory Special

The original Big Hickory Waterfront Grille & Marina was more than a place to eat — it was a community gathering spot known for:

• Waterfront views and marina vibes that made every meal feel like a holiday

• Fresh seafood, grilled classics, and casual favorites that appealed to all ages

• Dockside seating and boater access, where guests arriving by water could tie up and dine

• A social scene where locals met friends, families celebrated milestones, and visitors discovered a memorable piece of Southwest Florida hospitality

These elements made Big Hickory a standout destination — one that people still talk about fondly, even while the new chapter unfolds.

Where Big Hickory Was Located

Here’s the contact information for the restaurant’s original site so visitors know the roots of this Bonita Springs institution:

Big Hickory Waterfront Grille & Marina (former address)
26107 Hickory Boulevard
Bonita Springs, FL 34134
📞 (239) 992-0991

Marine Coordinates (approximate old marina location):
📍 N 26° 27.500′ | W 81° 49.000′
These coordinates point you toward the northern Bonita Beach area where boaters once enjoyed direct access to the restaurant via water.

Though this location no longer operates, it remains a powerful memory in the hearts of the community and a cornerstone of local waterfront dining history.

How You Can Help Big Hickory Come Back

Because the new location still needs zoning approvals and community support, many in Bonita Springs and beyond are advocating for Big Hickory’s return. If you’d like to be part of efforts to bring this restaurant back to life, consider:

• Attending city meetings that address the redevelopment plans

• Sharing your support with local officials and planners

• Spreading the word among friends and neighbors who remember the restaurant fondly

• Visiting during the re-opening once the new site is complete

The push to rebuild isn’t just about a business — it’s about preserving a piece of Southwest Florida’s coastal culture.

Big Hickory’s Place in Southwest Florida Dining Lore

Big Hickory Waterfront Grille & Marina earned its reputation by combining casual island dining with real community spirit. In its original form, it stood as one of the last great examples of waterfront eateries where guests could truly arrive by boat, linger over lunch, and watch the tide roll in.

Now as plans move forward for a new waterfront home, the restaurant’s legacy is evolving — shaped by resilience, community pride, and the hope that Bonita Beach will soon have its beloved Big Hickory back where it belongs.