Where the Chefs Eat: David Rogers of Dave's Bangin' BBQ
David Rogers of Dave's Bangin' BBQ shares his favorite places to eat when he's away from his smoker.
Artis Henderson
Special to The News-Press
David Rogers of Dave's Bangin' BBQ is a fifth-generation Fort Myers native. His 7-year-old son, he's proud to tell you, is sixth generation. Before opening his roadside food stand in 2014, Rogers worked in construction, but he says he always had a passion for barbecuing.
"Nobody hates barbecue," Rogers says. "Other types of food, people can say, 'I don't really like that.' There's so many different types of barbecue."
When it comes to his own style, Rogers says he pulls from a lot of different techniques — Memphis, Texas, Carolina — and he prefers to use a dry rub.
"I don't like a lot of sauce."
The barbecue stand keeps him busy, but when he has a chance to eat out Rogers tries to keep it local. Here are some of his favorite spots around town.
What's your go-to place for a hamburger? Butch's Famous Burgers in North Fort Myers. He's really got a passion for what he does. Every time I've gone there it's been packed. A small place like that, that tells you it's got to be good.
More: Butch's Famous Burgers? They will be
How about wings? Jersey's at Pondella and 41 (in North Fort Myers). It's a sports bar. They have really good wings there. I like the lemon pepper
I know you're partial to your own barbecue, but do you ever order it when you go out? If I'm downtown I like to go to The Lodge. They have a sandwich — it's a Cuban sandwich with barbecue. They call it a BBQuban.
Where do you go for seafood? I like the fish tacos at Catch-22 in the Broadway Palm shopping center on Colonial (Boulevard), and OK UK Fish & Chips on Pondella and 41. I like their fish sandwich.
Also: Fish and chips the OK UK way
Dave's Bangin' BBQ is located in the parking lot of Scotty's Bierwerks at 901 East Industrial Circle, Cape Coral. Call 220-0686 or find it on Facebook.
Find his picks
Butch's Famous Burgers, Chili and Dogs: 4521 Bayshore Road, North Fort Myers; 599-4165 or find it on Facebook
Jersey's Sports Cafe: 13971 N. Cleveland Ave., Fort Myers; 995-2900 or jerseyssportscafe.com
The Lodge: 2278 First St., Fort Myers; 433-2739 or thelodgefl.com
Catch 22: 1400 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers; 931-0299 or catch22florida.com
OK UK Fish-n-Chips: 13971 N. Cleveland Ave., North Fort Myers; 599-2328 or okukfishnchips.com