Southwest Florida center adds six tenants in COVID comeback

Marketing director Valerie Cope says Mercato’s rebound from the pandemic in Naples, Fla., has been accelerated by the signing of six new tenants.

“They’ll all be open by summer this year,” said Cope, who holds that Madison Marquette’s 315,000-sq.-ft., main-street-style town center has seen record traffic in recent months.

Three local and independent restaurants are part of the new crew at Mercato. 239 Naples is cooperative as well as a family-owned restaurant whose members are a group of farmers, ranchers, hatcheries, bakeries, fisheries, breweries, and wineries. On the menu: Crackling Coconut Gulf, pan-seared Gulf Snapper, and Jimmy P’s sous-vide-then-seared sirloin.

Joining 239 Naples will be Juicelation with its 100% organic cold-pressed juices as well as Zza Baby whose specialty pizzas include Pepperoni & Pepperoni, Barbecue Chicken & Smoked Gouda, and the Pass the Pesto, Honey pizza.

The rest of Mercato’s new roster is made up of 4Ever Young with anti-aging cosmetic and wellness solutions; Stanza and its line of women’s resort wear, swimwear; and Palm & Paddle whose specialty is Caribbean-inspired clothing, hats, and jewelry.

“We are strengthening the center’s footing as a community hub where quality and ingenuity are paramount,” Cope said.