Burg’r Bar sold to three longtime Punta Gorda customers

A Punta Gorda landmark is entering a new era. Burg’r Bar, the brightly painted restaurant at the corner of U.S. 41 and West Virginia Avenue, has been sold to three Charlotte County businessmen who also were longtime fans of the eatery.

The new owners are Walt Fortney, owner of Walt’s Garage in Punta Gorda, and Joseph Villareal and Bobby Buonaiuto, partners in Fine Line Automotive Concepts & Collision Center in Port Charlotte. All three had been regular customers before deciding to purchase the business when it went up for sale.

Hunter and Margeaux McCarthy of SVN Commercial Partners acted as transaction brokers. Margeaux McCarthy said the sale was unusual in that the ideal buyers had been in the dining room all along.

“Walt, Joseph and Bobby have been loyal Burg’r Bar customers for years. They’re there nearly every day for lunch,” she said. “Sometimes the perfect buyers are right under your nose.”

The sellers, Paul and Brenda Lynch, who opened Burg’r Bar in 2016, requested that the purchase price remain confidential. Their goal when they founded the restaurant was to create a casual spot serving quality food in a welcoming, hometown atmosphere.

The Lynches said the transition went smoothly and expressed confidence in the new owners.

“We’re thrilled to see the energy Walt, Joseph and Bobby are bringing,” they said in a statement. “They have the heart and business sense to take Burg’r Bar into its next chapter.”

Burg’r Bar has become a fixture in downtown Punta Gorda, popular for both its food and its community vibe. The restaurant offers indoor and outdoor seating and frequently hosts birthday parties, anniversaries, reunions and other celebrations. Its menu features specialty burgers alongside breakfast, lunch and dinner favorites, as well as options for children.

Happy hour runs 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sundays, making it a gathering place for both locals and seasonal visitors. Many regulars describe it as their version of “Cheers,” the bar where everybody knows your name.

Recently Buonaito, Villareal and Fortney gathered with their families to celebrate their new venture. Fortney was joined by his wife, Karie, and Buonaito’s wife, Jennifer, and their children, Enzo and  Adilee, were also part of the celebration.

Fortney said the new ownership team plans to maintain the elements customers love while making improvements for the future.

“We didn’t buy a job, we bought an investment,” he said.

The restaurant remains open without interruption at 317 Tamiami Trail.