Fort Myers Florida Weekly

Renowned chef Balink launches Bell Tower venue


“What started out as a dinner helping a friend turned into the challenging rebrand of an incredible location,” Harold Balink said of launching The Roots of Society. VANDY MAJOR / FLORIDA WEEKLY

“What started out as a dinner helping a friend turned into the challenging rebrand of an incredible location,” Harold Balink said of launching The Roots of Society. VANDY MAJOR / FLORIDA WEEKLY

When people think of world-class chefs, names like Gordon Ramsey, Jamie Oliver, Bobby Flay, Giada De Laurentis and Emeril Lagasse come to mind. When you ask who the best chefs in Southwest Florida are, one name that always comes up is singular — Harold.

Chef Harold Balink has a long and successful history as one of most well-known and desired chefs in Southwest Florida. Originally from Boulder, Colo., he was raised in the restaurant business and holds a degree in culinary arts from Johnson & Wales University, a bachelor’s degree in hotel restaurant management from Boston University as well as an Advanced Level Sommelier from the Court of Master Sommeliers. In addition to his educational accomplishments, Chef Balink has also completed apprenticeships at Le Cirque in New York, The Flagstaff House in Colorado and The Greenbrier in West Virginia. His 30-plus-year career in the restaurant and hospitality business includes positions with South Seas Plantation, The Magnolia House, The Ocean Reef Club, Tetley’s, Harold’s on Bay, H2 and Cru.

“Like any business, The Roots of Society continues to evolve and grow and we are very excited about this new path with Harold, Tyler and Shannon.” “Fort Myers has been missing the cutting-edge, quality cuisine that made the Bell Tower a dining destination in the first place and our focus is to bring it back to its roots with a guest-driven approach.” – Brad Cozza, Society partner

“Like any business, The Roots of Society continues to evolve and grow and we are very excited about this new path with Harold, Tyler and Shannon.” “Fort Myers has been missing the cutting-edge, quality cuisine that made the Bell Tower a dining destination in the first place and our focus is to bring it back to its roots with a guest-driven approach.” – Brad Cozza, Society partner

In 2015, for the launch of his fifth local establishment, he downsized to a smaller operation called Harold’s, a small upscale restaurant serving creative American cuisine, built-in alignment with the farm-to-table movement.

Now Harold is bringing his talents back to his old stomping ground at the Bell Tower as collaborating chef at The Roots of Society.

“What started out as a dinner helping a friend turned into the challenging rebrand of an incredible location,” he said. “We will be building the foundation for success, with people, food and smiles.”

Harold’s in south Fort Myers will remain unchanged and will be Chef Balink’s focus Wednesday to Saturday until closing at 10 p.m., but he will also be a regular fixture at The Roots of Society during other days and hours.

Joining Chef Balink to take Society into a new decade are culinary team members Marbin Avilez and Miguel Guzman as well as general manager Tyler Carr and director of events and marketing Shannon Quinn.

Mr. Avilez is originally from Nicaragua and has worked in some of the finest restaurants in Key West and South Florida as well as the Registry Resort in Naples, Harold’s on the Bay and Firestone

Grill.

Many will recognize Mr. Guzman from being a fixture in Cru’s kitchen for years.

Originally from northern Maine, Mr. Carr is an accomplished hospitality industry general manager with more than 25 years experience. He was introduced to the restaurant world at a young age and worked in his grandmother’s pizzeria before moving on to small family-owned restaurants from Santa Fe to Key West and ultimately to Southwest Florida as operating partner for training with Stonewood Grill & Tavern.

With his broad range of dining experience, Mr. Carr executes The Roots of Society’s vision as an American kitchen to exceed the expectation of guests through quality of food, commitment to friendly, efficient service and striving to exceed the standard.

“Moving forward, it is my mission to create a leading-edge guest experience focusing on attention to detail, commitment to hospitality, exceptional service and food quality all while supporting the local community,” Mr. Carr said. “We plan to support local artists and musicians, host community events, build partnerships, and redirect live entertainment towards events such as comedy shows, cover/tribute bands, dance, tastings, wine and beer dinners, sushi and sake pairings, and much more. Our goal is to exceed the expectations of Southwest Florida residents and become a community landmark for high energy entertainment.”

Ms. Quinn brings 12 years of marketing, public relations and event management experience and has worked with notable local companies including Heitman House, Hilton Naples, Gulfshore Life and Gulfshore Business magazines. She grew up in Cape Coral and earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Florida Gulf Coast University. In 2019 she was awarded the Florida Public Relations Associations Southwest Florida chapter president’s award for leadership and operational excellence and was one of Naples Herald’s 40 Under 40 recipients in 2018.

“I’ve had the opportunity to host and manage events all across Southwest Florida and there is no venue like Society,” said Ms. Quinn. “With 14,000 square feet of event space, Society is perfect for events of any size with indoor and outdoor party options, bridal and baby showers, rehearsal dinners, corporate parties, cocktail receptions, galas, birthday parties and sporting events. The list is limitless; and the customizable technology available in various rooms is a great addition to any event. We are already booking a variety of community and nonprofit events as well as wine dinners, comedy shows, pairings and more.”

Harold’s daughter, Kenzie Balink, who has 10 years of restaurant and hospitality experience, has joined her father at The Roots of Society as community relations coordinator.

Harold has also elevated The Roots of Society’s menu. Patrons will find a variety of small plates, soups, salads and large plate items from ramen to short ribs, seafood, chicken, pork and beef as well as long-time Harold and Bell Tower favorites including spicy krab rolls, truffle fries, cheese and charcuterie plates and the locally renowned pressed cheeseburger.

“Once again, Bell Tower, and specifically The Roots of Society, will be the place for happy hour,” said Chef Balink. “Each night will feature special tapas offerings in addition to our regular menu. The Roots of Society’s newly redone and expanded outdoor patios are spacious and perfect for couples, friends and groups. I can’t wait to see my friends outside of my restaurant in south Fort Myers.”

Chef Balink will be sourcing meat and vegetables from trusted regional sources including Circle C Farm, Jackman Cane and Cattle Company, East Fork Creek Gardens and 12 Seasons Farm.

“Like any business, The Roots of Society continues to evolve and grow and we are very excited about this new path with Harold, Tyler and Shannon,” said Society partner Brad Cozza. “Fort Myers has been missing the cutting-edge, quality cuisine that made the Bell Tower a dining destination in the first place and our focus is to bring it back to its roots with a guest-driven approach.”

Society is in the process of hiring additional staff including hostesses, servers, bartenders and kitchen personnel for The Roots of Society. For more information or to set up an interview, email Tyler Carr at Tyler@societyfortmyers.com.

The Roots of Society serves lunch daily from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. with light bites available from 2:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. Dinner is served from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays, and 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays with a late-night-bites menu available on weekend nights.

For more information, see www.societyfortmyers.com or call 239-334- 0900. ¦

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