Boutique Hotel Development Plans Unveiled as Local Eateries Adapt: Pastrami Dan’s Stands Strong

NAPLES, Florida — A longstanding barbecue restaurant in Naples has closed its doors as part of a redevelopment project that will replace the aging strip center with a boutique hotel, restaurant, and commercial space. Liki Tiki BBQ, located on Tamiami Trail North, officially shut down earlier this month, nearly three years after preliminary design plans for the new development were approved by local authorities.

The closure marks the end of an era for the casual dining spot, which had been a fixture in the area for years. However, not all businesses in the building will disappear immediately. Pastrami Dan’s, a neighboring deli-style restaurant, will remain open until the demolition of the current structure begins, according to reports from local media.

Redevelopment Plans Move Forward

The property at 590 Ninth Street North, which houses Liki Tiki BBQ, Pastrami Dan’s, and a Tropical Smoothie Cafe, is slated for demolition to make way for the Aquarius Hotel and Aqua restaurant. The three-story boutique hotel project received unanimous approval from the Naples Design Review Board in August 2024, nearly two years before Liki Tiki BBQ’s closure. The board’s decision included conditions to ensure the new development aligns with the city’s aesthetic and zoning requirements.

The redevelopment plan calls for the construction of a modern, mixed-use facility that will occupy roughly half of the city block. While the exact timeline for demolition and construction has not been publicly confirmed, the closure of Liki Tiki BBQ signals that the project is advancing. Pastrami Dan’s, which shares the same building, will continue operating until the demolition phase begins, providing a temporary reprieve for its regular customers.

Local Reactions and Business Impact

The closure of Liki Tiki BBQ has drawn mixed reactions from the Naples community. The restaurant, known for its casual atmosphere and barbecue offerings, had been a popular spot for locals and visitors alike. Its shutdown reflects broader trends in the area, where older commercial properties are increasingly being replaced by higher-end developments catering to tourism and luxury markets.

Pastrami Dan’s, which has operated in the same location for years, will face a temporary disruption once demolition begins. However, the restaurant’s future beyond the current building remains unclear. Local reports suggest that the owners of Pastrami Dan’s have not publicly announced plans to relocate or close permanently, leaving open the possibility of a return in some form once the new development is complete.

The redevelopment project is part of a larger wave of construction and revitalization efforts in Naples, a city known for its affluent real estate market and growing tourism industry. While such projects often bring economic benefits, they can also lead to the displacement of long-standing businesses, sparking debates about the balance between progress and preserving local character.

What Comes Next

With Liki Tiki BBQ now closed and Pastrami Dan’s operating on borrowed time, attention turns to the next steps in the redevelopment process. The demolition of the existing building is expected to proceed in the coming months, though an exact timeline has not been disclosed. Once the site is cleared, construction of the Aquarius Hotel and Aqua restaurant will begin, with the project likely to take several years to complete.

The new development is poised to become a notable addition to Naples’ hospitality scene, offering a blend of lodging and dining options. However, its success will depend on how well it integrates into the surrounding neighborhood and whether it can attract both tourists and local patrons. For now, the closure of Liki Tiki BBQ serves as a reminder of the ongoing transformation in one of Florida’s most dynamic coastal cities.

As the project moves forward, local residents and business owners will be watching closely to see how the redevelopment shapes the future of the area. For Pastrami Dan’s, the coming months will be critical in determining whether the restaurant can find a new home or if its closure will mark the end of another chapter in Naples’ evolving commercial landscape.