The Whale gets new owners

The Whale, a landmark restaurant centrally located in downtown Fort Myers Beach and known for its rooftop dining and smoked wings, has new owners.

Mike Miller and Greg von Krumreig are the new owners.

Miller owns manufacturing plants and works in real estate while von Krumreig spent the past eight years as a bartender at Fresh Catch Bistro.

Marty Harrity, who co-owned the restaurant as part of a group which also operates Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille and Dixie Fish Co., said the sale closed on Wednesday.

“We owned it for 25 years,” Harrity said. “It was our first restaurant. It was the opening to many opportunities. If it wasn’t for The Whale, we wouldn’t be where we are today.”

Harrity said he wanted to thank all the customers who have patronized The Whale over the years and said he hopes they continue to do so.

“It was time for us,” Harrity said. “The Whale was a little bit different than the direction we were going,” he said. “Everything has a lifetime. It’s time for us to move on.”

The new owners plan on making some changes to the building and to the menu, with an added focus on fresh local seafood. During season, popular dishes such as the smoked wings may have expanded offerings, von Krumreig said. He also expects to make additions to the cocktail list.

“The location is amazing. It will be near Margaritaville when that opens up,” von Krumreig said. “It has a lot of history. It’s held near and dear to a lot of locals.”