New fish shack coming to Charlotte County resort complex

A new seafood restaurant is coming to Fishermen's Village in Punta Gorda.

Leroy’s Fish Shack is opening in late 2024, according to a statement from SVN Commercial Partners, which handles retail leasing for the Punta Gorda destination featuring a mix of restaurants, shops, marina and resort.

The concept for Leroy’s Fish Shack is a waterfront restaurant featuring fresh Florida seafood. Co-owners Lee Richardson and Mike Wright plan to pay tribute to the history of the area, which used to be home to fish packing houses in the early 20th century, and embrace a coastal theme.

While Leroy’s Fish Shack will be the first of its kind, the restaurant is not the first for Richardson, who also owns Leroy’s Southern Kitchen in downtown Punta Gorda.

“We’re thrilled to bring Leroy’s to Fishermen’s Village,” Richardson says in a statement. “Our families are growing up in Charlotte County, and we’re excited to open a restaurant that reflects the spirit of our community. Leroy’s Fish Shack will be a place where families, friends and neighbors can come together to enjoy delicious seafood on the water and create lasting memories.”

The new restaurant will be located in the space formerly home to the Village Fish Market, which closed in April 2023 after its lease expired.

News of Leroy’s Fish Shack opening comes after an announcement that The Pier Restaurant will also be closing. Leasing company SVN Commercial Partners plans to show the location to those who looked at the fish shack plus launch a marketing campaign to fill the space, which seated 300.