LOCAL

Seed to Table's Alfie Oakes is popular, polarizing Naples businessman

Andrew Atkins
Naples Daily News

Naples grocer Alfie Oakes is once again in the spotlight. 

This time, Oakes, 53, was arrested at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood, for attempting to cash in casino chips but refusing to provide identification, the Naples Daily News reported. 

He was released on a $25 bond and called the casino “sore losers” before pointing out he still ended the night in the green. 

Read the story:Alfie Oakes arrested at South Florida casino, says the casino is a 'sore loser'

Who is Alfie Oakes?

Alfie Oakes speaks during a gathering in opposition to the mask mandate passed by the Collier County Commissioners on Tuesday, at Oakes Farms Seed to Table Market on Saturday, July 25, 2020. Oakes announced that he and his legal team will be filing multiple lawsuits against Collier County and against the three individual commissioners that voted for the mandate.

Alfie Oakes is a Naples grocer who owns Oakes Farms, Seed to Table, Oakes Farm Market and Food & Thought. 

His operations include a more than 1,400-acre farm and a fleet of trucks and drivers that distribute his produce across the country, according to his website. 

From 2021:Collier County business owner calls D.C. trip to Trump protests 'amazing,' surrounded by 'great Americans'

From 2020:Supporters, critics of Alfie Oakes face off in downpour amid Black Lives Matter rally

What was Alfie Oakes’ lawsuit against Collier County? 

A sign detailing Seed to Table's mask exception guidelines hangs outside the entrance to the store In July 2020.

Oakes filed several pieces of litigation over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2020, he filed a federal lawsuit challenging Collier County’s mask order. A federal judge tossed that lawsuit out in 2021. 

Oakes also filed a federal lawsuit against the School District of Lee County in 2020 after the district ended its multi-million dollar contract when the CEO called George Floyd a “disgraceful career criminal.” 

Lawsuit ends:Collier County ends months-long legal action against high-profile Naples grocer Alfie Oakes

Lee schools lawsuit:Oakes Farms sues Lee school district over canceled contract

What has Alfie Oakes’ stance been on COVID?

Oakes historically called COVID-19 a “hoax” and refused to enforce any mask mandate in his store, Seed to Table Market. 

He posted a sign at the entrance of Seed to Table Market in 2020 that dubbed the three commissioners who voted in favor of the mask mandate as “socialists.” 

Putting up a fight:Naples grocer refiles lawsuit challenging Collier County's mask order

Then:Federal judge tosses out Naples grocer's lawsuit challenging Collier County's mask order

What is Seed to Table? 

Seed to Table Market was a hotly anticipated grocery store that opened in 2019. It overshot several start dates before receiving heavy business and acclaim. 

When it opened:Hurdles remain after Oakes market's 'amazing' debut including parking and code enforcement

The store is known for luxuries including valet parking, a children’s play area and adult beverages. 

Oakes’ opinions seem to have done little to cause business to dwindle, instead drumming up customers who go out of their way to support the vocal bussinessman.