Fort Myers small business plans to open, have community impact during pandemic

A new business is about to open its doors in Southwest Florida. Imagine the stress of the owner, who is making her dream a reality during a pandemic. But, as she hopes to make ends meet, she wants to help her community too.

Owner Sarah Newcomb is getting ready to open The Wine Room in downtown Fort Myers. We spoke to Newcomb Wednesday about the trials she has gone through to get ready to open a new business during the pandemic while also looking to make an immediate, positive impact in the community.

Once a space for watch repairs, The Wine Room is set to open in just a little more than week.

“It was really tough. Deliveries were delayed. When I ordered furniture and it said it would be here in two weeks, it took a month,” Newcomb said. “When I went to the city and tried to get permits, it was pushed back. When I went to get my beer and wine license that was all online, even getting someone on the phone was tough.”

But Newcomb says she knows these past few months hit Southwest Florida and its businesses hard.

“Community is huge for me,” Newcomb said. “I think times like this, when the hurricane came through. Now, we’re dealing with this. You see the community really come together, but I think it’s important all the time.”

So Newcomb says 3% of all bottle sales will be donated to nonprofits.

“Every year, we’ll be picking three new nonprofits to benefit,” Newcomb said. “And what way after one year in we can take them a big check and say this your community giving back to you.”

Newcomb says her goal is to open The Wine Room by Fourth of July weekend downtown at the corner of Broadway Avenue and Main Street.

Cape Coral Animal Shelter is one of the first nonprofits The Wine Room plans to donate to. And the shelter says the pandemic has rocked donations, so this type of community outreach is more than appreciated.

“I know it’s tough times for everyone,” said Liz McCauley, the executive director of the shelter. “But the fact that people are coming forward to help us, and a new business opening up during this situation to come forward and help us and other nonprofits, it’s heartwarming, and we are so very grateful.”