GUISEPPE’S BROOKLYN OVEN: REAL ITALIAN FOOD WITH A REAL ITALIAN KITCHEN
After a lifetime of experience in the food service and hospitality industry, Gary Grossman retired to Southwest Florida around 10 years ago at the age of 65 … but then he got bored.
Fast forward to now, Grossman has built another 10 restaurants and plans to open a new restaurant – Guiseppe’s Brooklen Oven – in Arcadia by early June 2025.
The restaurant at 2135 Hwy 17 has been under construction for a few years now. The original building at the location was destroyed by Hurricane Ian in 2022. But Grossman and his team have completely renovated and massively expanded the building to give guests an authentic Italian experience at a fair price.
“I want to create a memorable European-style dining experience for all households, including working class families,” Grossman said. He added that dinner service will also include live, but soft and appropriate, music that showcases unique musical instruments, including a baby grand piano.
Regarding the menu, Grossman said it will be well-rounded with Italian cuisine but will also offer gluten-free and vegan options. Guiseppe’s will offer lunch and dinner. The lunch menu will allow for faster pick-up options such as pizza by the slice, a tapas selection, homemade gelato, and artisan breads.
“BRONCO BUSTER” STATUE DEDICATED IN ARCADIA
Arcadia Main Street, along with local officials and residents, dedicated a Frederick Remington replica “Bronco Buster” statue on May 8th at the Tree of Knowledge Park along South Hwy 17. The statue was donated by John Arnold.
Remington first visited Arcadia in the late 1800s, seeking inspiration and engaging with local figures such as Boone Mazzell.
The “Bronco Buster” was Remington’s first sculpture and the first bronze sculpture of a cowboy, copyrighted in October 1895.
The subject was adapted from Remington’s drawing “Pitching Broncos,” published in Harper’s Weekly on April 30, 1892.
The sculpture captures the dramatic moment of a cowboy breaking a rearing horse, with dynamic details such as the cowboy lunging forward, whip in mid-air, clutching the reins and the horse’s hair, and the horse’s arched back and spread tail.
The statuette quickly became an iconic representation of the cowboy and the enduring spirit of the American country, symbolizing the moment of great exertion between horse and rider.
During the dedication ceremony, Arcadia Main Street also celebrated its 40th anniversary as a community-driven organization.
NEW, QUAINT CABINS FOR RENT AT ARCADIA AIRPORT
Beyond the popular Taco Tuesdays and other weekend events, the Arcadia Municipal Airport is a hot spot for pilots and general aviation far and wide throughout the week.
That popularity has led to the airport now offering cabins for pilots wanting to camp at the facility, among other camping options the facility has offered over the last several years.
In early Spring 2025, Airport Director Shelley Peacock announced their new project, starting with two cabins and the potential expansion based on demand.
“We would hear a lot of the pilots say, for example, that their wife would not camp with them,” Peacock said. “So, we were thinking outside of the box … they would tell us their wife’s idea of camping was the Holiday Inn.”
So, they built the new quaint cabins!
Camping reservations (aviation only), can be made via email: [email protected].
Arcadia Airport is located at 2269 SE Ac Polk Jr Dr, Arcadia, FL 34266.
For more information, click here: Arcadia Municipal Airport – X06 – City of Arcadia, or call (863) 494-7844.
YMCA OPENING IN SIGHT AT SPEER CENTER
Renovations are on the way for the YMCA of Southwest Florida at the Speer Center, 185 W. Winifred St., in Arcadia.
Representatives said they were in the process of getting contractor bids for the work with plans to renovate through summer and fall 2025. The goal is to open the center in January 2026.
During the summer they will be offering free family meals each Wednesday from 4-6pm.
For more information about the Y, go to Our Y | YMCA of Southwest Florida.
*Photo Source: Daniel Sutphin
METAL MAX PURCHASES OVERHOLT ENTERPRISES
In February 2025, Metal Max Roofing & Siding representatives announced that the company had purchased Overholt Enterprises Metal Roofing and Supply, located at 6192 SW Hwy 72, Arcadia.
For more information about Metal Max and the services the company offers, go to Leading Metal Roofing & Siding Manufacturers | MetalMax, or call 863-491-9400.
*Photo Source: Daniel Sutphin
Physical Address:
Economic Development Office
Turner Agri-Civic Center
2250 N.E. Roan Street
Arcadia, FL 34266
Hours: Mon-Fri 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
