Then We Need to Talk!
Do you know a local business serving residents of Ft Myers Beach?
Daniel Clarkston never imagined owning a bar when he first moved to Southwest Florida from Germany in 2017. Yet today, his Mr. Waves Island Bar stands as a testament to entrepreneurial spirit and community resilience on Fort Myers Beach.
When Daniel and his wife purchased a prime Times Square property in mid-2022, they had no restaurant experience and an uncertain vision. Then Hurricane Ian hit. While devastating for the island, the storm's aftermath revealed an opportunity: the beach's beloved party bars were gone, leaving a void in the community. Mr. Waves stepped in, creating a vibrant space offering karaoke seven days a week, all-day breakfast, and their now-famous giant bucket drinks.
"Fort Myers Beach is very special because it's not owned by bigger corporations, it's literally family business oriented," Daniel explains, pinpointing exactly what gives the area its unique charm compared to other Florida beach destinations. This family-focused approach resonates throughout Mr. Waves, where locals and tourists alike gather from 8am (making it one of the earliest-opening establishments on the beach) until late evening for food, drinks, and singing.
The challenges weren't insignificant - navigating flood elevation changes, permitting issues, and the struggle to let people know Fort Myers Beach is open for business post-Ian. Yet two years later, Mr. Waves has become a beloved fixture on the beach, even expanding with PedalTiki.com, a 14-person party bike offering island tours and pub crawls.
Daniel's journey from German teacher to beach bar owner shows what's possible when passion meets opportunity. Whether you're planning your first visit or returning to see how the beach has rebuilt, make sure Mr. Waves is on your list - your karaoke song can't wait any longer! Find them on social media or at MrWavesIslandBar.com to plan your visit.
Mr. Waves Island Bar
Daniel Clarkston
1028 Fifth Street Ste A Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
(239) 299-9311
management@mrwavesislandbar.com
mrwavesislandbar.com
Ft Myers Beach-Good Neighbor
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