Arts & Eats Café opens as part of Union Artist Studios

A new and exciting eating and art experience is coming to Southwest Florida in May.
Arts & Eats Café is opening its doors as part of the Union Artist Studios expansion, in the Alliance for the Arts campus. The idea, envisioned by award winning visual artist and entrepreneur David Acevedo and his partner Jamie Burnette, is unique to our area. Guests will have the opportunity to order and eat scrumptious sandwiches (or handhelds), pastries, desserts, coffees, teas and even Italian sodas, while strolling artists studios and shop local creations.
The official opening day is scheduled for Saturday, May 1 starting at 9 a.m. During its first weeks, the café hours will be limited to weekends and events.
“As far as I know, this concept is unique,” says Acevedo, who created and founded the Union Artist Studios in 2012 as an effort to have an organized studio space for local artists. “The idea of coming into this cool coffee shop, then hanging out with artists at their studios, and seeing all the art is just something I always wanted to experience.” – add the artist, who also owns and co-founded DAAS Co-Op Art Gallery in the Butterfly Estates campus.
The artists at The Union are thrilled to be part of this project. Some ended up transitioning from the second floor in the original space and others newly joined.
“Our artists family grew,” says muralist and long-time Union artist Erik Schlake. “We can’t wait to see everyone coming by to enjoy the art, the food and the coffees,” adds Schlake, who recently completed a series of murals as part of the McCollum Hall restoration.
The new café owners invite all Southwest Florida foodies, art lovers, supporters and enthusiasts to support this new artsy venue located at 10051 McGregor Blvd, suite 101, in Fort Myers (corner of Colonial and McGregor). More information and updates in hours and events will be posted in the café’s Facebook page at facebook.com/artsandeats.