“Extreme Riders: Cruising cafe not just for bikers” |
| Extreme Riders: Cruising cafe not just for bikers Posted: 06 Jan 2011 11:21 AM PST  Laura Pacter Bob Leport of Bonita Springs, and his son, Damien, ride over to Extreme Riders for lunch once a week on his customized motorcycle. / LAURA PACTER  Laura Pacter An inside look at Extreme Riders and the Cruizin’ Cafe. / LAURA PACTER NAPLES — Extreme Riders Location: 3600 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs Hours: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays; open later on weekends and for special events Info: www.extremeridersusa.com, or (239) 495-3911 Naples businessman Roy LoCascio has arrived to Bonita Springs with another new concept — combining a motorcycle clothing, accessories, and eatery into one joint in Bonita Springs. "You don't have to be a biker enthusiast to enjoy the sunglasses, boots, and leather jackets, or a cold beer and fantastic food," says LoCascio. Extreme Riders, which LoCascio opened just four months ago in Bonita, covers every rider's wish, from clothing to accessories, to lunch and dinner. "Whatever we do not have here, we can special order," says LoCascio, as he stirs his grandmother's secret recipe pasta sauce for an upcoming Extreme Riders pasta night. Tempting smells of garlic float from his kitchen, as motorcycle enthusiasts roll in on two and four wheels. They're here to try his many sandwiches, named for different bikes, and to check out the many motorcycles displayed for sale in the Extreme Riders showroom. Wine and beer are also served up at Extreme Riders bar, complete with a flat screen television to catch the latest game. "My Dad had a landmark restaurant in New York, and I had two of my own restaurants in New York. One was a steakhouse in the Hamptons, known as Ropin Roy's Western Steakhouse. It was like a western museum inside, and I sold it about eight years ago," he said. The shift to offering motorcycle dining and merchandise came naturally to LoCascio. It popped into his head as while he was cruising along on his very own Harley Davidson. "As I was riding, I thought you always ride to restaurants and you always get hamburgers and chicken wings. I wanted to create a different type of place that sold things at a discount," LoCascio said. "I thought about it, and we came up with a full blown concept store here. We sell our own brand of merchandise here, at the right prices." "I like the atmosphere here," said Nick Lesniak of Bonita Springs, as he sat down at the shiny chrome bar to relax. "It has good people, and good food, and it is a fun place to come to. I usually get the turkey sandwich and wrap, and it's delicious." Since LoCascio opened, customers are riding in from as far away as Tampa to sink their teeth into Extreme Rider's sandwiches and specialties. "We have the best sandwiches in the world on the menu, and people often order the Ducati, which is made with fresh mozzarella cheese, tomato, olive tapenade, with marinated greens on a ciabata roll," said Stevie Campbell, a bartender and a retail associate. "He's a good man, and he's good to talk to," said Bob Leport of Bonita, who often turns his wheels into Extreme Riders with his son on the back of his customized motorcycle. "We get out and enjoy the weather here, and when we stop in, they have different things every time we come in here." Many of Extreme Riders trademarked designs are also becoming a rage overseas. "Don't be surprised if you see our shirts there, as we have customers come in from as far away as Ireland, Germany, England, and South America," LoCascio explained of his unique one-of-a-kind printed shirt designs. As for his first four months in his Bonita Springs location, LoCascio is pleased by his business success so far. "I wanted to bring a totally new dining and retail experience to Bonita Springs. I've met so many nice people, I like watching people become friends here. I try to know everyone on a first name basis. I hate that cold retail experience, and I want everyone who comes in to feel welcome." This entry passed through the Full-Text RSS service — if this is your content and you're reading it on someone else's site, please read our FAQ page at fivefilters.org/content-only/faq.php |
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