FORT MYERS, Fla. (Sept. 2, 2014) – Thirty-six years adds up to a lot of stories and memories. Engagements, weddings, first dates, business negotiations, political fundraisers, anniversaries and much more have all occurred at downtown Fort Myers’ restaurant institution, the Veranda.

From May 1 until Oct. 31, 2014, anyone who shares a story on the Veranda’s Facebook or Twitter page will be eligible to win a monthly drawing for a $100 gift card.

“Everyone has a Veranda story,” said Craig Peden, who owns and operates the Veranda with his father Paul. “The Veranda has a special place in so many lives and we want our guests to share their stories with us.”

August’s drawing winner is Michael and Kelly Parker who posted about their experience from August 2004.

“The crew of the Veranda opened up the Monday after Charley so that we could have our wedding dinner,” Michael wrote. “It was originally scheduled for August 14th. We still got married the morning after Charley, however since pretty much all of Cape Coral and Ft Myers were without power, our wedding dinner at the Veranda had to be delayed. Denny got us all set up as soon as the restaurant had power back on and opened just for our wedding party. Our entire family will always remember just how amazing everyone there made it so special for us and will always hold a very special place in our hearts.”

Veranda patrons may participate in the ongoing drawings by sharing a story on the restaurant’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Veranda/83202578325 or its Twitter page at https://twitter.com/verandafm.

According to Peden, patrons may share as many stories as often as they’d like on their social media pages and do not have to live in Southwest Florida.

“We are proud to be celebrating 36 years of operation,” he said. “We could not have survived more than three decades without continually providing an exceptional dining experience in an idyllic setting.”

The Veranda is housed in two, turn-of-the-century Victorian homes in the heart of downtown Fort Myers. The restaurant features Southern regional cuisine with a full bar, extensive wine list and first-class service in a romantic setting. Lunch is served Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.; a mid-day menu is served Monday through Friday from 2 to 4 p.m., and dinner is served Monday through Saturday from 5:30 to 10 p.m. Private dining is also available from 10 to 400 guests. Live entertainment is featured in the Veranda’s piano lounge Wednesday through Saturday evenings from 6:30 to 9:30. Valet or street parking is available.

For reservations and more information, call 239-332-2065 or visit www.verandarestaurant.com.