Kathy Moran
Tell us about yourself/your business
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When people walk into Brooklyn Dough, I hope they leave with more than just a great bagel. I hope they leave feeling like they were welcomed into our home.
Originally from the Boston area, I grew up in the restaurant business, where I learned that great food is only part of the experience. The way you treat people is what keeps them coming back. Those values have shaped everything we’ve built at Brooklyn Dough. Today, we’re proudly family-run. My son, Brendan, manages the shop, and my daughter is also part of our team. Both graduated from high school here in Naples, making this community the place we’ve proudly called home for years.
After becoming the sole owner of Brooklyn Dough, my goal has been to build on the strong foundation that was already here while continuing to grow and create an even better experience for our customers. We remain committed to the traditions that make us unique while always looking for new ways to serve our community.
We aren’t your average bagel shop. Every bagel is hand-rolled, kettle-boiled, and baked fresh every morning using traditional methods. It’s a labor of love that begins long before the sun comes up, and it’s one we’re proud to continue every single day.
What truly makes Brooklyn Dough special, though, is the atmosphere. On any given morning you’ll find neighbors catching up over coffee, visitors getting local recommendations from people in line, and regulars greeting our staff by name. Friendships have started here. Business partnerships have formed here. Families have created weekend traditions here. It’s not uncommon for customers to walk in and hear someone say, “Good morning!” before they even reach the counter. We believe a neighborhood bagel shop should be a place where everyone feels like they belong.
As our customers have embraced Brooklyn Dough, we’ve also been overwhelmed by the growing demand for catering. From business meetings and school events to family gatherings, birthdays, and celebrations, we’ve received so many requests that expanding our catering program has become a natural next step. We’re excited to bring the same fresh, handcrafted quality and welcoming service that people experience in our shop to events throughout Southwest Florida.
As our community continues to grow, our mission remains the same: to serve authentic, fresh-made food with warmth, kindness, and genuine hospitality. At Brooklyn Dough, we’re not just making bagels , we’re creating a place where memories are made, friendships begin, and everyone feels like family.
Andrea Cagliesi
Tell us about yourself/your business
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My name is Andrea Cagliesi and I'm the GM / Part owner of Waxins Restaurant in Naples. Moved to Naples from Stockholm in 2023, to run the Waxins restaurant as a GM. Been in the restaurant business for over 40 years. We are an Italian/Swedish restaurant & Cocktail bar situated in Mercato Plaza in Naples. This is our 3rd Waxins restaurant in Florida. The founder Patrik Waxin opened up his first venue in Alton Plaza, Palm Beach Gardens back in 2020.
What's your favorite date night spot and why?
I would say for lunch Gumbo Limbo, for the service, the view and the venue, and for the evening, The Vine Room., for the cocktails, the atmosphere and the service. Cool place.
What's your favorite special occasion restaurant and why?
Molto on Fifth Ave. Nice enviroment, top 3 Italian in Naples. Nice bar.
What's your favorite place to have a drink? What is your go-to drink of choice at this place?
Warren. Negroni.
What are your top three places to take out-of-towners?
The beach on 6th ave. A boat trip from Tin City. Gumbo Limbo.
What has been your most memorable dining experience in Naples?
Mimoto Sushi on Tamiami...best sushi ever.
Are there any particular chefs or restaurateurs whose work you admire?
Cosimo Picci at Limoncello and Luca di Falco at Acqua Bistecca.
When you visit a restaurant, what aspects of the dining experience matter most to you? (e.g., food quality, creativity, atmosphere)
No:1. Food quality. No:2. Atmosphere No:3 Service.
Can you share a story about a restaurant you discovered recently that exceeded your expectations? What made it stand out?
Mimoto! I went there for lunch with a friend, and forgot my glasses. I ordered food before my friend came. We got 24 sushi bites, a glass of wine and a beer. It was the best Sushi I ever had!! Damn!! We got the check and my friend said how much it was!!! But it was worth every penny.
Iggy Ortiz
Tell us about yourself/your business.*
I’m a Naples native and the executive chef at the Perry Hotel and Tigress Chophouse.
How long have you lived in Naples?
I was born and raised here.
What’s your favorite date-night spot, and why?
I prefer being at home. I’m able to relax and don’t have to get dressed up.
What’s your favorite special-occasion restaurant, and why?
Nobu Miami—it’s always a great time, and the food is excellent.
What’s your favorite place to have a drink? What is your go-to drink of choice there?
Celsius—anywhere and anytime.
What are your top three places to take out-of-towners?
Tin City, Naples beaches, and Country House.
What has been your most memorable dining experience in Naples?
Lola 41. It’s fun and easygoing.
Are there any particular chefs or restaurateurs whose work you admire?
I admire anyone who consistently operates at a high level, day in and day out.
When you visit a restaurant, what aspects of the dining experience matter most to you?
Great service and a strong knowledge of the menu. If those are in place, the rest takes care of itself.
Can you share a story about a restaurant you discovered recently that exceeded your expectations? What made it stand out?
The Rooster. The quality of the food was amazing.
Are there any hidden-gem restaurants or lesser-known spots you love recommending to friends and colleagues? What makes these places special?
Country House and The Rooster. Both are very consistent.
What’s your favorite pizza place?
Grandpa’s Pizza. I’ve been going there since I was a child.
What’s your favorite place for a healthy meal?
True Food Kitchen.
What’s your favorite place to enjoy a steak?
Andre’s Steakhouse.
What’s your favorite place to grab dessert?
Angelic Desserts.
Where do you go for casual dining?
Riverwalk at Tin City.
Jeff John
At The Warren, whiskey is more than a drink. It is a conversation starter, a history lesson and an experience all its own.
Located at The Collective in the Naples Design District, Warren American Whiskey Kitchen combines contemporary American cuisine, imaginative cocktails and an expansive whiskey library in a setting that feels polished yet inviting. CEO Jeffrey John describes its personality as “casual sophistication”—an approach reflected throughout the restaurant’s design, menu and beverage program.
The concept was created in honor of John’s late uncle, Warren John. “Each portion of the concept was created to bring his spirit to life,” he explains.
That personal connection gives the restaurant a sense of soul beyond its impressive collection of spirits. The whiskey library features celebrated labels, rare bottles and exclusive selections, while knowledgeable “Spiritual Advisors” help guests navigate different producers, regions and flavor profiles.
The cocktail program is equally imaginative. The Japanese Clear Old Fashioned offers a modern interpretation of a classic, while the Lock and Key combines gin with pineapple, lime and lychee. For something unexpected, the Head of Lettuce features vodka, romaine lettuce, extra-virgin olive oil, chili oil and black pepper.
In the kitchen, contemporary American cuisine is approached with refinement and personality. Signature dishes include Gloria’s KFC—Korean fried chicken—roasted cauliflower, Warren’s Damn Good Burger and a bourbon-brined pork chop. More indulgent offerings, including caviar nuggets, seasonal truffle grilled cheese and the Chocolate Bourbon Sphere, reflect the restaurant’s playful side.
Weekend brunch brings champagne and specialties such as bread pudding French toast, prime short rib hash and eggs, and chicken and chive waffles.
Yet The Warren’s defining ingredient may be its sense of community. Through private events, spirit tastings, special dinners and Warren’s Cocktail Club, the restaurant creates opportunities for guests to gather over exceptional food and drinks.
“The Warren offers a space for the community to come together over the shared experience of great food and cocktails in an unmatched environment,” John says.
That combination of hospitality, creativity and connection has made The Warren more than a dining destination. It is a place designed for memorable experiences—and the people with whom we share them.