Duckpin bowling, food trucks and a 6,000-square-foot outdoor stage are headed to Lakewood Ranch. Backyard Social, a Fort Myers "eatertainment" concept, is building its second location at 6400 Professional Parkway, with an early 2027 opening targeted.

The venue sits just south of Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park, part of a growing entertainment cluster on Professional Parkway. Owner Mat Baum, president of Wolverine Management, and partner John Mann are behind the project, the Bradenton Herald reported Thursday, Sept. 17.

Food trucks, games and live music planned

Backyard Social calls itself an "eatertainment" destination. Instead of a traditional kitchen, the venue will feature food trucks. As of March, Your Observer reported the lineup included Gigi Gourmet, Gigi's Chicken Coop, Gyros2Go, Lobster Chef and Box Car Cantina, though that roster may have changed.

The one-story building will span about 12,500 square feet. Its design allows the space to open up or close entirely with air conditioning, depending on the weather, according to Your Observer. A built-in coffee shop and a private event space round out the indoor offerings.

Outside, a lawn will feature a tiki bar and a 6,000-square-foot stage for local and national bands.

Games will include duckpin bowling, darts, shuffleboard, cornhole and a golf simulator. Until 9 p.m., the venue welcomes all ages. After 9 p.m., only patrons 21 and older are allowed.

Baum is no stranger to Lakewood Ranch. He and Matt Faul, Wolverine Management's chief operating officer, co-own Agave Bandido at Waterside Place. In a February 2022 statement about that restaurant, Baum said, "People want to have an exciting dining experience without driving half an hour into the city."

Opening timeline pushed to early 2027

The opening timeline has shifted. Baum told Your Observer in March that he was targeting mid-November 2026, but a spokesperson told the Bradenton Herald in September that the team is now looking at early 2027.


Backyard Social is one piece of a broader entertainment district on Professional Parkway that also includes Urban Air and SkyTrack Family Entertainment Center. Amanda Zipperer, director of property management and leasing for Lakewood Ranch Commercial, told Your Observer the district has been part of the community's long-term development strategy for years. The full district is expected to be built out by early summer 2027.

For updates on Backyard Social's opening, residents can visit backyardsocial.com.