Travis opened Winesett House in 2023, bringing his Punta Gorda roots and decades of local restaurant experience—from Celtic Ray to Leroy’s to River City—into a space that blends history with modern hospitality. The restaurant is in an historic red-brick building, but reveals an elegant setting that feels welcoming and cozy to walk into. For Travis, it’s a chance to showcase the foods and traditions he grew up with while giving visitors a real taste of the area.
The Winesett family were beekeepers from the 1950s through the late 1990s, managing 18,000 hives from Punta Gorda to Fort Myers and selling honey by the 50-gallon drum. Travis still uses local honey in his cooking and chose a bee as his logo, as a nod to that history.
“We keep a small menu so we can do everything the right way.”
- Travis Winesett
The Philosophy of Winesett House
Travis focuses heavily on locally sourced, seasonal ingredients and creates classic dishes with his own twist. The menu focuses on freshness and plenty of seafood—salmon, shrimp, scallops, and other Gulf treasures—but the standout crowd favorite is the Wicked Chicken Eggs, an upscale, new-age take on deviled eggs: the shell is battered and fried then filled with a spicy chicken salad. You won’t find this anywhere else!
Coming soon is something truly unique: a native “Calusa Menu” inspired by the the food traditions of Southwest Florida’s earliest people. It’s designed to help guests connect with the region’s deeper story through authentic ingredients and preparation styles.
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Building a Legacy
With seasonal, local ingredients, thoughtful and creative small-batch cooking, and deep roots in the community, Winesett House is a must-visit. Stop in to savor a taste of Punta Gorda from someone who’s been part of it his whole life.
