Case Study: Restaurant Build-Out on McGregor Blvd

When a new restaurant owner along McGregor Boulevard reached out to us, they were taking over an old retail space and turning it into a modern dining spot. The location had great bones and plenty of foot traffic — but the electrical system? Not even close to what a restaurant needs.

At Coharbor Electric, we’ve seen this situation plenty of times around Fort Myers. Old wiring, undersized panels, and no circuits for commercial kitchen equipment. For this project, we needed to design and install an entirely new electrical setup from the ground up — one that could handle heavy kitchen loads, create the right dining atmosphere, and meet every safety and code requirement.

The Challenge

The space had been used for light retail, which meant minimal electrical demand. Restaurants are a whole different story. Between the kitchen, lighting, HVAC, and safety systems, the power requirements are massive.

Here’s what we were dealing with:

• High-capacity equipment like ovens, fryers, walk-in coolers, and dishwashers

• The need for efficient, comfortable climate control

• Stylish, dimmable lighting for the dining area and bar

• Proper emergency and exit lighting for code compliance

• Outdoor lighting and signage visible from busy McGregor Blvd

And, of course, there was a deadline — the owner wanted the restaurant open before tourist season kicked off.

Overloaded panels and code hurdles are common in Florida remodels—don’t go it alone.
Get answers for your Fort Myers rental in our Commercial Services FAQ.

Our Approach

With commercial jobs like this, planning is everything. Rushing the electrical design only leads to problems later. Here’s how we tackled it step by step:

1. Load Calculations & System Design

We started by mapping out every circuit the restaurant would need — kitchen equipment, HVAC, lighting, POS systems, and outdoor signage. Once we ran the load calculations, it was clear the existing panel wouldn’t cut it. We upgraded to a higher-capacity system with room for future expansion.

Basics for your Fort Myers home addition in our Load Calculations.

Step-by-step for Fort Myers homeowners in our Powering a Build-Out.

2. Permitting & Coordination

We handled all the electrical permitting with the City of Fort Myers and coordinated directly with the general contractor, kitchen suppliers, and building inspectors. Keeping everyone on the same page early made the process smooth and avoided costly backtracking later.

3. Rough-In Wiring

Once the framework was open, we ran new conduit and wiring throughout the space, including:

• Dedicated circuits for every major kitchen appliance

• Separate circuits for lighting zones and dining outlets

• Outdoor power for signage and accent lighting

• Power drops for POS and computer systems

Home kitchen tips for Florida humidity in our Planning Kitchen Circuits.

4. Lighting & Controls

Lighting was one of the most important design elements for the owners. They wanted a warm, modern atmosphere that still saved on energy. We installed recessed LEDs throughout the dining area, pendant fixtures over the bar, and exterior lighting that made the building stand out at night. Emergency lights and exit signs were installed to code.

5. Trim-Out & Testing

Once the walls and finishes were in place, we came back for the final trim-out — outlets, switches, breakers, and fixtures. We tested every circuit and connection to make sure the power distribution was solid and balanced.

The Results

The restaurant opened right on schedule — just in time for Fort Myers’ busy season. With the new system in place, the owners now have:

• Reliable, balanced power for all kitchen and dining equipment

• A lighting setup that creates a great customer experience and saves energy

• Full code compliance, with smooth inspections and zero delays

• Extra capacity for future additions or upgrades

Today, the restaurant is a local favorite on McGregor, and we still handle their electrical maintenance. It’s always rewarding to see a business thrive knowing we helped build the foundation for it.

Why Proper Electrical Build-Outs Matter for Restaurants

Restaurants push electrical systems harder than almost any other type of business. You’ve got constant high heat, refrigeration, ventilation, and dozens of devices running at once — all while customers are sitting just a few feet away.

Cut corners on the electrical side, and you’re risking outages, spoiled food, or worse — safety hazards. That’s why working with a licensed, experienced commercial electrician makes all the difference.

Power Your Next Build-Out the Right Way

Whether you’re opening a new restaurant or remodeling an older space, you need an electrical setup that’s safe, efficient, and built for long-term use.

At Coharbor Electric, we’ve powered projects all over Fort Myers — from small cafés to full-scale restaurants and retail spaces. We handle everything from the first load calculation to the final inspection.

If you’re planning a commercial build-out anywhere in Lee County, give us a call. We’ll help you design a system that works as hard as your business does.

📞 Contact Coharbor Electric today to schedule a consultation or on-site walk-through.