New owner, same great dining experience at Moretti’s
In recent weeks a new owner has taken over at Moretti’s Seafood Restaurant in Matlacha, but much of what customers have come to expect will not change. Among the things that will remain the same is the staff.
“I have made a commitment to the new owner to remain on as the manager for as long as he needs me,” said past owner Bob Corriere. “My family and I have spent the last seven years regaining the confidence and support of the island community and we want to make sure that this continues and to ensure that the new owner will be as successful as we were.”
The new owner, Norbert “Noby” Schwab, recently moved to the area from his home in Germany and has quickly discovered the uniqueness of Matlacha and Pine Island and is anxious to become considered as a member of this tight-knit community.
“When my wife and I decided to move here we began looking for a restaurant to purchase. When we discovered Matlacha, right away we loved the island because it is so beautiful with its historic buildings and the people here were so warm and friendly,” said Schwab. “While we will not be changing a lot of things, we will be doing some painting to both the interior and exterior of the building to help make it the nicest building on the road because we are something of a gateway to Matlacha and think we need to put our best face forward.”
As for the menu, the tried and true favorites will remain. Items ranging from pizza and hamburgers to locally harvested shrimp and veal marsala. In addition, Moretti’s offers a full lunch menu, appetizers and numerous entrees for children. Perhaps the most notable feature of this popular restaurant are the daily dinner and lunch specials.
“We will continue to offer daily specials, but plan to expand the selection,” said Schwab. “Our main focus will be dishes prepared with the freshest locally caught seafood to celebrate what Matlacha is all about.”
Schwab also said that the well-attended “locals” day will continue on Sundays through the month of November and in the weeks to come, plans to provide his customers with music on weekends from area musicians.
Over the years, Moretti’s has assumed a high profile in the island community and Schwab, with the help of Corriere, plan to continue that tradition as well.
“We have already become members of the Pine Island Chamber of Commerce and while we will not be able to attend the upcoming music festival, we plan to be present at other events such as the Taste of Pine Island as we have done for the last several years,” said Corriere. “Our community has always been a strong support system to us and we intend to continue to support the community as well.”
Also remaining will be the staff at Moretti’s, many of which have been employed there for the last seven years.
“Bob has been so helpful and has taught me everything I need to know so far, I would not be able to do it without him,” said Schwab. “As far as the staff, I consider myself just another staff member and a part of their crew. They are all very professional and I am always open to their suggestions.”
Moretti’s Seafood Restaurant is located on Pine Island Road in Matlacha and is open seven days a week serving from the lunch menu from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and from the dinner menu every day from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Reservations can be placed by calling 283-5825 and for more information about the restaurant and to view the menu, visit morettisseafoodrestaruant.com