Boat House In Cape Coral: Open Or Closed?

The Boat House Tiki Bar & Grill in Cape Coral, Florida, is currently closed due to a fire that broke out on Thursday night, shortly after closing. The fire caused extensive damage, leaving the popular restaurant a charred framework and requiring a total rebuild. While there were no injuries reported, the fire dealt a significant blow to the community, as the Boat House was a beloved gathering place for locals and visitors alike. Despite the devastation, the owner of the Boat House, Zak Kearns, has vowed to rebuild, demonstrating the resilience and strength of the Cape Coral community.

The Boathouse Tiki Bar & Grill in Cape Coral was destroyed by a fire in October 2024

The Boathouse Tiki Bar & Grill in Cape Coral, Florida, was destroyed by a fire in October 2024. The fire occurred just after the restaurant's closing time and was called in by employees. Although no one was injured, the fire left the popular bar and grill in ruins, with only charred framework and debris remaining.

The cause of the fire was initially unknown, but the Cape Coral Fire Department later stated that it could have been electrical. High wind speeds near the water fueled the flames, causing them to spread quickly and engulf the entire restaurant. Despite the efforts of the fire department, which included using handlines, an elevated master stream, and a fireboat to attack the fire from the river side, the Boathouse Tiki Bar & Grill was completely destroyed.

The fire came just a day after the restaurant had reopened following Hurricane Milton and was the second time in two years that the establishment required a total rebuild. The owners, the Kearns Restaurant Group, had previously spent $263,000 on repairs and renovations after Hurricane Ian in September 2022.

Despite the devastation, the owner, Zak Kearns, vowed to rebuild, stating, "We rebuild. We rise up and make it happen." A GoFundMe page was set up by the Boathouse Cape Coral management team to support the staff who were left without jobs due to the fire.

The cause of the fire was undetermined, but officials did not rule out an electrical cause

The Boat House Tiki Bar & Grill in Cape Coral, Florida, was ravaged by a fire that ignited on Thursday night, leaving charred remains and debris. The cause of the fire was initially unknown, with Cape Coral Fire Department officials stating on Friday morning that it was undetermined. However, they did not rule out an electrical cause.

As per the Cape Coral Fire Department's Facebook update, "Cape Coral Fire Inspectors and the State Fire Marshals Office have completed their investigation of the Boat House Tiki Bar and Grill fire from last night. The cause is undetermined, but they are unable to rule out electrical." This statement confirms the undetermined nature of the fire's cause and the possibility of electrical factors contributing to the incident.

The fire occurred just after closing, and employees were able to evacuate safely. The fire department faced challenges due to the presence of a thatched roof, fully stocked alcohol, and windy conditions. Despite their efforts, the popular restaurant was left in ruins, requiring a total rebuild.

The Boat House Tiki Bar & Grill has endured a series of setbacks, including damage from hurricanes Ian, Helene, and Milton, which led to closures and renovations. The fire caused further devastation, leaving the community stunned and disappointed. Despite the challenges, the owner, Zak Kearns, vowed to rebuild, expressing resilience and determination in the face of adversity.

The investigation into the fire's cause remains ongoing, and officials continue to explore potential factors, including electrical causes, to determine the origin of the blaze.

The restaurant's owner, Zak Kearns, vowed to rebuild, saying We rebuild. We rise up and make it happen

The Boat House Tiki Bar & Grill in Cape Coral was ravaged by a fire in October 2024, just a day after it reopened following Hurricane Milton. The fire left the popular restaurant a charred framework, requiring a total rebuild—the second in two years. Despite this setback, the restaurant's owner, Zak Kearns, vowed to rebuild. In a Facebook post, Kearns wrote:

> "Where we go from here is simple. WE REBUILD. We rise up and make it happen."

Kearns acknowledged the challenges he had faced in recent years, including the loss of his mother, the global pandemic, and three hurricanes that had devastated the community and the property. However, he remained resilient and determined:

> "I’ve come to realize something, you can’t knock me down for long. I’ll always come back stronger and better than before."

The Boat House Tiki Bar & Grill originally opened in May 2014 and had become a beloved fixture in Cape Coral. Despite the devastation of the fire, Kearns' unwavering spirit and commitment to rebuilding sent a powerful message of hope and perseverance to the community.

A GoFundMe page was set up by the Boathouse Cape Coral management team to support staff left without jobs

The Boathouse Tiki Bar & Grill in Cape Coral, Florida, has been through a lot in recent years. The popular restaurant, located at the Yacht Club, suffered severe damage during Hurricane Ian in September 2022, forcing it to close for nearly 10 months. After a massive renovation, it finally reopened in July 2023. However, its good fortune was short-lived.

In October 2024, the Boathouse was hit by hurricanes Helene and Milton, which caused a days-long closure. Just a month later, in December 2024, the restaurant was ravaged by a fire that started in the kitchen just after closing time. The fire left the building a charred framework and forced another closure.

While there were no injuries, the fire dealt a devastating blow to the staff of the Boathouse. In the wake of the fire, the management team set up a GoFundMe page to support their employees, who were once again left without jobs. The page highlighted the dedication of the staff and the challenges they had faced:

> "Our devoted staff is left without jobs and the stability they’ve fought so hard to regain (after hurricanes Ian, Helene and Milton). They have poured their hearts into this place, forging memories and supporting one another and our community through thick and thin."

The funds raised through the GoFundMe page would provide direct financial support to the impacted staff, helping them navigate this unexpected crisis.

Despite the setbacks, the owner of the Boathouse, Zak Kearns of Kearns Restaurant Group, remained resolute in his determination to rebuild. In a Facebook post, he vowed: "We rebuild. We rise up and make it happen."

The Boathouse has been popular in Cape Coral for years and is known for its tiki bar and grill

The Boathouse Tiki Bar & Grill has been a popular fixture in Cape Coral, Florida, for many years. Known for its lively tiki bar and grill, the restaurant is located at 5819 Driftwood Parkway in the Cape Coral Yacht Club.

The Boathouse is famous for its vibrant atmosphere, with live music and entertainment offered daily. The venue boasts a beautiful waterfront location, providing stunning views of the water and yachts for guests to enjoy while they dine and drink. The Boathouse also offers outdoor seating on the beach, allowing patrons to soak up the sun and sand while savouring their meals.

The restaurant serves a variety of food and beverages, including seafood, American fare, and vegan and vegetarian options. While reviews are mixed, with some patrons praising the food and others finding it mediocre, many guests particularly enjoy the peel-and-eat shrimp, Cuban sandwiches, and key lime pie. The Boathouse also offers a selection of drinks, including alcoholic beverages and non-alcoholic options.

In recent years, the Boathouse has faced several challenges, including hurricanes and a devastating fire. In September 2022, Hurricane Ian caused severe damage, leading to a massive renovation and a nearly 10-month closure. Unfortunately, just after reopening, a fire engulfed the restaurant, leaving it in ruins and requiring another total rebuild. Despite these setbacks, the owners of the Boathouse remain resilient and determined to rebuild, a testament to their commitment to the community and their passion for the establishment.

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