Dozens lay down $100 for chance to own restaurant

What’s a restaurant got to do to have people waiting in line for its opening on a random Saturday?

Try giving the business away. As Shawn Teeters found out Saturday, it’ll work.

Teeters is the co-owner of Key Western Grille at Estero’s Miromar Outlets. Earlier this week, the owners of the restaurant announced they’d give away the business in a reality show-type contest. Saturday morning was the first opportunity for potential participants to fill out applications, pay a fee and be one of 7,000 entries in the contest.

Interest was strong, Teeters said. A line formed by 9:30 a.m. and by 10 a.m. staff was beginning to field applications and do interviews. By 1 p.m. about 100 people had submitted applications.

“We’re getting all kinds of personalities and all kinds of goals (for the business).” Teeters said. “Ultimately, these people are trying to own their own restaurant.”

Applicants filled out a seven-page application, had their photos taken and participated in a short informal interview with Teeters and managers Greg Hughes and David Carrillo.

The interviews tried to expose applicants’ personalities and restaurant experience, Hughes said.

Fort Myers resident Carlos Martir was one of those applicants. Martir, 42, an entertainment manager, said he would love the opportunity to own a business.

Photo by Jeremy Lyverse, Daily News

Key Western Grille managers Greg Hughes, left, and David Carrillo interview Carlos Martir of Fort Myers to be a contestant to win their restaurant in Miromar Outlets in Estero on Saturday. For $100, people can apply in hope of being one of 16 finalists who will vie to win ownership of the restaurant. Martir already has started an entertainment business and said he was looking to prove to himself that he could again be successful in business.

“I think it’s got a lot of potential,” Martir said. “I think I have the dedication to do this. I just want to prove to myself that I can. It’s not about the money.”

The money comes out to about $150,000 a year in profit. Not bad for a $100 investment, Teeters said.

But before the contest can start, Teeters said, they need about 7,000 applicants. Their search will take them throughout the state in July and August. But for most of June they’ll stay in Estero. They’ll accept applications in Estero from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday and again June 23 and 24 and July 1, 2, and 3.

Once 7,000 applicants are submitted, the field will be narrowed to 16, and those few will live in an undisclosed Lee County home, where they’ll have their lives taped as they work in, and compete for, ownership of the Key Western Grille.

A pilot is being shot July 3 at the Grille, but there have been no network commitments to carry the show, Hughes said.

As a fan of reality TV, Nancy Ramirez of Lehigh Acres said she thinks it would be great to be on television. As the 42-year-old nurse was filling out an application, she said she always has liked cooking and lately has considered going to culinary school.

Her organizational skills could give her an edge, Ramirez said.

But the contest did not suit everyone’s fancy. Jean Speck of Naples filled out an application, but said she’s hesitant to pay $100 for no guarantee that she’ll even make it onto the show.

Ramirez, on the other hand had no problem with the investment.

“I think it would be fun,” she said. “My husband thinks it’s funny.”

The money will help fund the competition and give a few dollars to the owners, Teeters said. None of the money will be used until 7,000 applicants have been found however, he added.

“Where else are you going to find a restaurant for $100?,” Teeters said.