“Resilient spirit” carries profound meaning for Sandy Stilwell Youngquist, whose restaurants have overcome substantial hurdles, reopening after devastating hurricane impacts in recent years.
After 971 days—nearly 1,000—Key Lime Bistro at 11509 Andy Rosse Lane on Captiva Island reopened its doors, following renovations costing approximately $2 million. Stilwell Youngquist, who started operating the restaurant in 2002, remarked, “Everything’s brand new. The kitchen’s redesigned for greater efficiency, and we’ve upgraded to hurricane-resilient furniture.”
Simultaneously, Key Lime Bistro’s Boca Grande location, situated in the historic train depot at 433 Fourth St. W., also celebrated reopening after a thorough five-month renovation involving total removal and replacement of furniture and equipment.
A third Key Lime Bistro is currently under construction at Southwest Florida International Airport, set to open in November. It promises to be the airport’s largest dining spot, offering travelers a chance to experience and even carry home their renowned Key Lime Pie.
Regarding the signature pie, Stilwell Youngquist hinted at its special appeal, noting it features “several layers with just the right balance of sweetness and tartness,” without divulging her secret recipe.
Additionally, Stilwell Youngquist has engaged MHK Architecture and Stevens Construction to rebuild 10 historic cottages on Captiva destroyed by Hurricane Ian. The cottages will be replaced by elevated, hurricane-resilient structures, with construction anticipated to begin this summer.
Reflecting her dedication and tenacity, Stilwell Youngquist recently published a book, Resilient Spirit, co-authored with Craig Handel, highlighting entrepreneurial insights and the drive necessary to overcome obstacles and achieve success.
“I just have the passion to get these up and running again and to make them profitable again,” she emphasized, embodying her resilient spirit.
