by SC Reporter Emilie Alfino
On May 12, 2026, the Sanibel Planning Commission considered an application to allow a fast-food restaurant with 20 indoor seats and 16 bonus outdoor seats for dining at 1025 Periwinkle Way. The site is within the Priscilla Murphy Center and was previously a retail furniture store.
The store is Pina Pop, a “family-friendly” store that claims to be very “island-centric,” offering sodas mixed with creamers, pretzels, cookies, and cake pops. The owner intends to install five or six arcade games. He describes his store as “a tropical-inspired retail and refreshment concept celebrating Sanibel’s island lifestyle with fresh, pineapple-forward treats, beverages, and light fare.”
The business owner, Zachary Markham, comes from Arizona, where he owns smoothie shops.
There is a difference between a fast-food restaurant and a formula restaurant.
Fast-food restaurant means an eating place primarily engaged in the sale of preprepared or quickly prepared food and beverages usually in disposable containers and wrappers, selected by patrons from a limited line of specialized items such as hamburgers, chicken, pizza, tacos, hot dogs, ice cream or yogurt, for example, for consumption either on or off premises, in a facility in which a major portion of the sales to patrons is at a stand-up type counter.
Formula restaurant means an eating place, whether a principal use or accessory use, that is one of a chain or group of three or more establishments and which satisfies at least two of the following three descriptions: (1) It has the same or similar name, tradename, or trademark as others in the chain or group; (2) It offers either of the following characteristics in a style which is distinctive to and standardized among the chain or group: a. Exterior design or architecture; b. Uniforms, except that a personal identification or simple logo will not render the clothing a uniform; (3) It is a fast-food restaurant.
Markham said there will be no outdoor events or parties in response to public feedback on the issue.
Commissioner Lyman Welch said, “I’m excited about the ‘family-friendly’ concept. We need more of that on Sanibel. My daughter loves smoothies; she thinks they’re the best, but I have one question for you: will you be serving mac and cheese?” Welch said to laughter.
Plans are to open the store from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., maybe a little longer in season.
Is Pina Pop an “attraction”?
The Sanibel Plan states that Sanibel will only serve as an attraction to the extent that it maintains its natural, small-town character. The plan prioritizes the natural environment over commercialization, stating that the city will “resist pressures to accommodate visitor attractions and activities that compromise” its natural, tranquil, and “auto-urban” free environment.
Defining “attraction” versus “amenity” can get confusing. Put another way, an attraction is a destination or feature that brings visitors to a location (e.g., a museum, beach, or landmark). An amenity is a feature or service that adds comfort, convenience, and value to a place (e.g., a pool, gym, or fast Wi-Fi). Attractions entice people to visit; amenities enhance their experience while they are there.
Some public comments were submitted on this application, and Commissioner Kate Sergeant assured the public that the commissioners read and consider public comment emails. “We just can’t respond,” she said.
Four public comments enthusiastically supported the new business, and two did not.
Michael McGill, president of the Beach Road Villas HOA, expressed concerns about the proposed fast-food facility at the historic Priscilla Murphy site, previously divided to promote residential development and limit commercial expansion.
He noted that a 15-foot vegetation barrier intended to protect privacy has been reduced, leading to increased noise, visibility, and lighting issues. McGill argued that the new food facility would further decrease resident privacy and property values by bringing more traffic, noise, and lighting, and by increasing the need for frequent waste removal, potentially worsening existing rat and trash problems.
He also highlighted traffic congestion and environmental impacts, urging the Planning Commission to thoroughly consider all consequences of the proposal.
The Planning Commission voted unanimously in support of the Conditional Use Permit for the new Pina Pop store.
While I’m not sure if I am for or against the inclusion of arcade games, I am shocked they were so easily allowed when there is such opposition to a tasteful mini golf course at the old Island Cow location!
a 45 foot tall, high density apartment building on Periwinkle, a miniature golf course and now a restaurant with arcade games. Where does it end? Does the council ever say no to anything. Why are they discarding the Sanibel plan which has served us well for over 60 years. If this continues, goodbye, Sanibel and hello to just another tourist attraction! Thanks, Jim Weyant
Arcade Games on Sanibel! Big mistake
Arcade games…no, no and no!!!