Landon Stevenson Opens Twila Mae's Chicken Salad
The local chicken salad business opens its first brick-and-mortar storefront in a Fort Myers plaza.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Openings & Closings
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Landon Stevenson has launched the first physical location for Twila Mae's Chicken Salad at 18011 S. Tamiami Trail in Fort Myers. This new restaurant expands operations from a previously used commercial kitchen.
Why it matters
The transition to a storefront allows the business to increase production capacity after outgrowing its former commercial kitchen space. This move establishes a permanent base for the company, which continues to operate at 19 weekly farmers markets.
The restaurant seats 28 people indoors and charges $12.99 for all chicken salad menu items. Revenue for the first day of operations reached $76.
The players
Landon Stevenson
The owner and founder of the restaurant who transitioned the business from a commercial kitchen to a physical storefront.
Twila Mae
The namesake of the restaurant who resides in Missouri and is expected to visit the Fort Myers location in early 2027.
The details
Located behind a McDonald's, the site underwent a full buildout featuring new lighting, repainted walls, and hardwood panels. Customers order at the counter and receive food either immediately or at their tables.
Timeline
The business began operating at farmers markets in 2020.
The owner signed the lease for the restaurant space in February 2026.
The restaurant opened for business on October 23, 2026.
Additional planned farmers market locations will open in November 2026.
Twila Mae is expected to visit the restaurant in January or February 2027.
Market Landscape
This opening follows the industry pattern of established food brands utilizing early market success to justify the investment in physical dining footprints. The move reflects the shift from ghost kitchen production to brick-and-mortar retail as brands seek direct consumer engagement.
Diners can now access the full menu at a set price of $12.99 per item at the new permanent storefront location. The restaurant also offers an optional meal upgrade for an additional $4.
The takeaway
This restaurant's growth highlights how small food businesses can scale from farmers market roots into permanent retail spaces. Local patrons should note the expansion plans for additional market locations in the coming month.
What happens next
The business plans to open a few more farmers market locations in November 2026, and the restaurant owner expects a visit from Twila Mae in early 2027.
Further reading
Find more local updates in the Fort Myers Openings & Closings section.
More information
View the restaurant menu and information for details on current offerings.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The News-Press.
Live Poll
Do you prefer buying food from local farmers market vendors or from their permanent storefronts?
