World of Beer hits the spot with parched patrons

NOTE TO READER: La Bamba is open in Miromar Outlets. The printed version of this article incorrectly stated that the restaurant was closed.

When one bar closes, another bar opens.

Nightlife in Fort Myers is constantly changing. With the closing of Ultra and Voda, it was a relief to students when World of Beer announced they would be opening at Bell Tower Shops. The grand opening took place on August 23.

Derek Holcombe, World of Beer's area manager, said that the atmosphere, knowledgeable staff and beer selection set them apart from other bars in Fort Myers. 

"Right now, we have over 500 bottles and 41 different drafts," Holcombe said. "It has been very busy every night so far."

Domenic DeBonis, a senior majoring in finance, attended the grand opening and loved the variety of beers. "It's kind of like heaven," DeBonis said. "I would live there if I could."

Samantha Rivera, a senior resort and hospitality major, also attended the grand opening, and enjoyed the atmosphere. "It's small and laid back," said Rivera.

With an extensive selection, World of Beer offers a Loyalty Card to encourage customers to try new beers. It is $15 for the Loyalty Card.

"Loyalty Card is a way for customers to keep track of all the different beers they've tried," said Holcombe.

Every time a customer tries a different beer, they earn a point on the card.  Rewards are given to the customer when they reach a certain number.

While 50 different beers earns a "50 Club" T-shirt, 500 different beers earns a party in the customer's honor at World of Beer and a covered $250 bar tab.

Throughout the week, specials are offered at World of Beer.  Monday is Service Industry Night; Tuesday is Loyalty Card night, where the card gets the owner 25 percent off all bottles.

Wednesday night caters to FGCU in particular.

"Wednesday night is WOB University night. We select five to nine drafts, and they are half off for students and faculty," Holcombe said. 

Thursday through Saturday, live music is offered.

For senior business management major Melanie Belknap, World of Beer's only downside is the Bell Tower location, which is approximately 13 miles from FGCU's campus.

 "I love that they brought World of Beer to Fort Myers, but I wish it was closer to school," Belknap said.

World of Beer does not serve food, but eating there is still an option.

"We've partnered with restaurants in Bell Tower, and they can deliver food to customers," Holcombe said.

Menus of restaurants including Bistro 41, TGIFriday's, DaRuMa and Grimaldi's are available at World of Beer so hungry patrons can place orders and have their food delivered.

World of Beer differs from other bars in Fort Myers, which is appealing to senior Lisa Van Houdt.

"It's really cool that a place like World of Beer is so close to campus. It's not your typical bar scene, like at Gulf Coast Town Center," said Van Houdt, a communications major. "lt's a great way to appreciate the smaller beer companies, not just the big corporations that have a clear monopoly of the other popular bars."

If you go

What: World of Beer

Where: Bell Tower Shops, Fort Myers

What to wear: Bar attire

What to expect: A plethora of beer