In the Know: Many changes planned at Mercato in North Naples

Two mixed-use developments in the Naples area are planning a resurgence of restaurants.

While most people usually don’t know or use the names of many local retail centers, Mercato in North Naples and Bayfront in Naples are names most locals recognize and use. These upscale developments are each adding at least three restaurants to their lineups this season.

Mercato

Not since the opening of the first regional Whole Foods Market heralded the launch of Mercato 10 years ago this month has the buzz about the uptown destination been as great.

Although Mercato has experienced notable changes over the last decade, the cluster of restaurants, shops and residences near the northeast corner of U.S. 41 and Vanderbilt Beach Road is planning a renaissance of sorts. Call it a second wind.

The announcement last week of TooJay’s Deli Bakery Restaurant coming to the space vacated last year by Stage Deli is highly anticipated by east coast transplants and folks clamoring for a New York-style deli in Naples. The Florida chain plans to open this first regional location in early 2019.

This news is amplified by the enthusiastic anticipation of another popular West Palm Beach-based restaurant chain being introduced in this market. Rocco’s Tacos and Tequila Bar is building out the space of the former Masa Mexican restaurant in preparation for a launch in the first quarter of the new year. Rocco’s casual restaurants are known for their taste of Mexico and a vibrant nightlife fueled by hundreds of types of tequila.

Beginning a new dining trifecta ahead of these concepts at Mercato will be The Hampton Social’s first East Coast location. The restaurant and bar will serve seasonally inspired coastal cuisine in a classy-chic Hamptons-like atmosphere in the former restaurant space of McCormick & Schmick’s, which ended its 10-season run here on Easter.

“We will be opening at the latest early December,” said Brad Parker, founder and CEO of Chicago-based Parker Restaurant Group, which owns and operates The Hampton Social brand.

In addition to these three restaurants joining the more than 15 eateries already in Mercato, the center has three retail chains opening stores this fall.

Cariloha Bamboo, moving into the former Vom Fass space next to Grace & Shelly’s Cupcakes, transforms bamboo into super-soft apparel, sheets, towels and more.

On the other side of the street across from the Second Cup, Southern Tide will offer preppy, coastal beach-meets-the-South fashions as well as collegiate-branded items and unique gifts.

Near the main parking garage and Bravo Cucina Italiana, CycleBar will provide an indoor cycling experience. The franchise will feature cycling classes, private events and themed rides.

In preparation for its 10-year anniversary celebration in 2019, Mercato also is investing in many common area enhancements. New turf was put in last week on the “Event Lawn” near the roundabout across from Silverspot Cinema. Several shaded seating areas and lawn games will be added for customers’ daily enjoyment, according to a news release.

Shaded seating areas on artificial turf are planned in the green space in front of Bravo to give customers a comfortable and inviting outdoor space to relax with friends and family, Mercato reports. New contemporary hardwood benches will replace the metal benches throughout the center, and large cantilevered umbrellas will provide shade and rain protection for valet customers.

Mercato is installing a complimentary Wi-Fi network, and new outdoor landscape speakers around the center will broadcast music curated especially for Mercato. The center also recently unveiled three “selfie walls” featuring caricatures of native wildlife such as alligators, dolphins and sea turtles.

Know more

► Restaurant resurgence coming to Naples Bayfront

Have a local question? Email it with your name and city of residence to intheknow@naplesnews.com. Tim Aten’s "In the Know" is published every Monday and Wednesday. Follow In the Know on Facebook now at facebook.com/timaten.intheknow.To sign up for the Breaking Ground newsletter, sent Thursday mornings via email, go to https://nplsne.ws/bgnewsletter.