Press

Together with business partner Jean-Claude Roge, Whitaker designed the interior of the restaurant and its patio area. Some of LYNQ’s notable features include a large video wall that plays music videos from a playlist of 20,000-plus songs, and an element called the “fire wall” that incorporates pieces of metal and wood.

This emphasis on unique design is a trademark of Whitaker’s other restaurants. He helped launch the original Blu Sushi in 2003. In May 2016 he and Roge opened Blanc, a narrow and much smaller space, but one that's just as stunning as LYNQ.

Design is an element of the restaurant experience that rarely garners a lot of attention, at least in Southwest Florida. Tropical and coastal clichés abound here, with their pastel hues and prefabricated marine knick-knacks. One place closes and some other Bobby Flay wannabe comes in with a sure-fire food gimmick but fails to invest time, vision or money into creating a noteworthy setting.

One of Fort Myers' newest restaurants, LYNQ, which resides on Summerlin Road, opened May 2017. Owned by Chris Whitaker and Jean Claude Rogue, who also owns Blu Sushi and Blanc , both on McGregor Boulevard, the restaurant is inspired by the many fabulous cultures and cuisines across the globe.