Naples Restaurants Brace for Hurricane Season

## Hurricane Season Hangover: Naples Restaurant Owners Brace for Impact (Again) The air is thick with humidity, the sun beats down with a ferocity only a Floridian summer can muster, and the cicadas are singing their deafening symphony. It’s that time of year again in Naples, the time when we collectively hold our breath and watch the tropics, whispering prayers to whatever weather deities we subscribe to. Hurricane season. And for Naples’ vibrant restaurant scene, it’s not just the potential for physical damage that’s a concern; it’s the emotional toll, the economic uncertainty, and the lingering anxieties that make this season a real pressure cooker. The memories of past storms, like Irma and Ian, are still fresh in our minds. The boarded-up windows, the sandbags piled high, the eerie quiet before the storm, and the devastating aftermath. I spoke with several local restaurant owners recently, and the phrase “I still have nightmares” echoed through more than one conversation. It’s a testament to the profound impact these storms have, not just on livelihoods, but on the very fabric of our community. Remember how long it took to get back to normal after Ian? “Normal” might be a strong word. Even now, nearly a year later, some places are still rebuilding, still struggling to regain their footing. The recovery process is a marathon, not a sprint, and the emotional scars run deep. For restaurants, hurricane season presents a unique set of challenges. Unlike other businesses, they can’t simply pack up their inventory and move it inland. Their livelihood is tied to a physical location, often right on the waterfront, in the heart of the storm’s path. The preparation process is arduous and expensive. Boarding up windows, securing outdoor furniture, moving equipment to higher ground – it all adds up. And even with meticulous planning, there’s no guarantee of safety. “It’s a constant gamble,” Tony, the owner of a popular seafood restaurant on Fifth Avenue South, told me. “You invest so much time and money preparing, but in the end, Mother Nature has the final say. We were lucky with Ian, minimal damage, but the stress of the unknown, that’s what really gets to you.” He’s not alone. Maria, who runs a family-owned Italian trattoria in Old Naples, shared a similar sentiment. “The anxiety starts building weeks before the season even officially begins,” she confessed. “Every tropical depression, every potential storm track, it’s a trigger. You start replaying past experiences, wondering if this time will be worse.” The financial impact of a hurricane can be catastrophic for restaurants. Lost revenue due to closures, the cost of repairs, spoiled food, and the uncertainty of when they can reopen – it’s a recipe for disaster. Many operate on thin margins, and a forced closure, even for a few days, can have a devastating impact. “Insurance is a nightmare,” Tony added. “Premiums have skyrocketed in recent years, and even if you’re covered, the claims process can be a long and arduous battle.” This sentiment was echoed by every restaurant owner I spoke with. The rising cost of insurance is a major concern, especially for smaller, independent establishments. Beyond the immediate physical and financial impact, there’s the ripple effect on the community. Restaurants are more than just places to eat; they’re gathering places, social hubs, and vital contributors to the local economy. When they close, it impacts not just the owners and employees but also the suppliers, the local farmers, the fishermen, and the entire ecosystem that supports the culinary scene in Naples. So, what can we do? As residents of Naples, we have a responsibility to support our local restaurants, not just during hurricane season, but throughout the year. Here are a few ways we can help: * **Dine Local:** Choose to eat at local restaurants whenever possible. This provides them with much-needed revenue and helps them weather the storm, both literally and figuratively. * **Order Takeout or Delivery:** If a storm is approaching and you’re hunkering down, consider ordering takeout or delivery from your favorite local spot. This helps them minimize food waste and generate some income during a difficult time. * **Purchase Gift Cards:** Buying gift cards is another great way to support local restaurants. It provides them with immediate cash flow and encourages you to return once the storm has passed. * **Be Patient and Understanding:** Remember that restaurant owners and staff are under immense pressure during hurricane season. Be patient with them if service is slower than usual or if they have limited menu options. * **Spread the Word:** Share your positive experiences with local restaurants on social media and encourage others to support them. * **Advocate for Policy Changes:** Support policies that address the rising cost of insurance and provide financial assistance to small businesses impacted by hurricanes. Hurricane season is an unavoidable reality for those of us living in paradise. But by working together and supporting our local restaurants, we can help them weather the storm and emerge stronger on the other side. Let’s show our resilience, our community spirit, and our love for the culinary treasures that make Naples such a special place. After all, we’re all in this together, riding out the waves, one delicious meal at a time.