A new venture has taken root at 17081 S. Tamiami Trail, Suite P, in south Fort Myers through the partnership of Corbin Nicholl and Matt Lombardo. From careers as professional landscapers to launching a unique dining experience, the partners are set to celebrate the grand opening of Lombardough’s Pizza & Beer on March 9.  

After a career in producing 2D and 3D landscape renderings, Nicholl landed an opportunity through Lombardo, owner of Lombardo Landscaping, when he shared his intentions of buying a food truck and pursuing a career in the restaurant industry. 

“He said ‘What if I told you I have a property where I’m looking for a business partner for a pizza shop?’ and that’s literally how he and I came together,” Nicholl said. 

Details at Lombardough’s pay tribute to the duo’s keen eye for landscape design. 

“The landscaping that we do is very elegant, especially when it all fills in and gets fully matured,” Nicholl said. “This place will be booming with beautiful plants. The pavers we did, and we built the stage over there out of natural rocks. Just a really cool, outdoor Florida vibes and a fun, family atmosphere.” 

The new outdoor restaurant marries artistry from landscaping and pizza making with visual art, featuring a mural by artist Ruben Ubiera. 

Lombardough’s offers Neapolitan-style, woodfired, brick oven pizzas. Guests have a choice between a variety of classics, veggie and seafood specialty pizzas and meat lover specialty pies.  

A build-your-own pizza option also is available, starting with the house dough or a gluten-free dough. From there, guests have a choice of three different sauces, mozzarella cheeses, including a vegan option, and various toppings and garnishes to finish off their pie. 

Being Lombardough’s is family friendly, a kid’s meal with a one topping pizza, an ice cream cone and a water or juice box also is on the menu. 

“We really go for quality, that’s a huge thing for us,” Nicholl said. “A lot of pizza shops cut corners around here, and we really are all about a quality pizza and a good experience.”  

Nicholl said exceptional customer service, experience and quality food is what makes a good restaurant, saying that’s what guests at Lombardough’s will be met with when making a visit.  

As for experience, Nicholl didn’t just dive headfirst into launching a pizzeria. He got his start by bringing his pizzas to kava bars and farmers markets, where he received feedback that he made some of the best pizzas in town.  

Wanting to ensure quality and a great experience, Lombardough’s had a week-long soft opening when the owners sought feedback on each pie. 

The meatball pizza was a big hit, made with red sauce, meatballs, mozzarella, ricotta and a garlic butter crust. The other favorite was the ricotta and spinach pizza, made with a mix of ricotta and garlic cream sauces, fresh mozzarella, roasted garlic and baby spinach topped with an olive oil drizzle and crushed red pepper.  

For Lombardo, his favorites on the menu include the frutti di mare seafood pizza and the Bianca Ortaggio veggie pizza. 

Each pizza ranges from $13 to $19 and is unique and hand-stretched by what Nicholl describes as a pizza robot.  

To pair with the 11-to-12-inch standard size pizzas, Lombardough’s offers four domestic beers and six local craft beers. From Naples-based Ankrolab Brewing Co. to Cape Coral-based Scotty’s Bierwerks, Nicholl said the beer offered will be revolving but will always come from local breweries. 

Additionally, Mitra-9 Kava and Kratom seltzers, regular seltzers and wine are available at the restaurant.  

Given Nicholl and Lombardo own the entire property, the future of Lombardough’s is to evolve into a miniature food truck park. 

“We should have our first full-time food truck coming in April,” Nicholl said. 

The new restaurant, which can seat about 100 people, also is set up to have live music on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Self-ordering at Lombardough’s is encouraged through the self-ordering kiosks and QR Codes on tables. Appetizers, wings, salads and desserts also are available on the menu. 

Lombardough’s will be open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mondays through Wednesdays and 11 a.m. until close Fridays and Saturdays.