Local motorcycle enthusiasts are invited to the Shell Factory each Sunday, for a new “Hawgs & Dawgs” event organizers hope will be a regular occasion.
On Sundays throughout the summer, riders are invited to convene at the Shell Factory’s outdoor cafe — The Swamp Bar — to make the place their own.
“The Hogs & Dawgs Biker Sunday will be every Sunday, with live entertainment from 5 p.m. to close,” said new General Manager Stone Pilkenton. “This is Florida, and people love to ride motorcycles here and love to have an outside bar they can call their own. We want it to be a ‘Cheers’-like mentality — and a neighborhood feel. It’s your place.”
Pilkenton is originally from Knoxville, Tenn., and came to the Shell Factory via Indianapolis.
He said he loves his new job, and plans on making the restaurant a hot spot in North Fort Myers.
“There’s so much potential here for a great spot,” he said, not only about the outdoor Swamp Bar but the restaurant in general. “We are in the people-pleasing business, and want people to know that.”
In the last few months, the Swamp Bar itself has become a more and more popular outdoor gathering place.
The biker event is free and open to the public. Motorcyclists will have convenient complimentary parking at The Shell Factory’s main parking lot just outside The Swamp Bar. A special barbecue menu will be available as well as a signature Hawgs & Dawgs beverage, according to Marketing Manager Donna Ellis.
“Motorcycle enthusiasts have been a big supporter of Shell Factory events. They’ve been generous to our Nature Park Environmental Education Foundation by turning out for Swamp Fest, the Five-Star event for ABATE (American Bikers Aimed Toward Education) and lots of other events,” Ellis said.
“In return, we wish to provided them a fun, hospitable venue with entertainment and food for them to enjoy,” he continued.
Shell Factory owner Tom Cronin Sr. is particularly behind the event.
“Hawgs & Dawgs is the perfect way to enjoy a lazy Sunday afternoon,” said Cronin in a recent statement. “Motorcycle enthusiasts have been visiting our outdoor Swamp Bar for years so we wanted to give them a special day of their own this summer.”
If you have a pet, the Swamp Bar also caters to four-legged friends and invites leashed, well-mannered dogs to attend with their owners.
Complimentary water and snacks will be provided to all dogs.
The Hawgs & Dawgs event will take place each Sunday from 2 to 9 p.m. throughout the summer.
Pilkenton also said a Saturday Night Dance Party will be launched in the future, and reminds residents that Mother’s Day is just around the corner.
“We will have Mother’s Day specials,” he said.
For Mother’s Day, they have a special brunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
“Every mother will get a special gift from the Shell Factory Shops, and a complimentary glass of champagne and a free pass to the Nature Park,” he said. “For all, our prices are phenomenal all of the time.”
For reservations, call 995-2141, extension 119, or prompt “5.”
For general information, call 995-2141, extension 117, or visit shellfactory.com.