Since opening in 2011, the venue has hosted many famous entertainers, including Blake Shelton and Scott Stapp.
The new owners plan to keep it as a nightclub and make upgrades to the building.
With the announcement this week that Dixie Roadhouse sold for $2.7 million, it signaled an end of an era in Southwest Florida.
The Cape Coral venue has been a hot spot for entertainment, from line dancing to bands performing over the years. And as entertainment journalist Charles Runnells first reported about the sale, he also interviewed the new owners who said they have a plan to keep it as a nightclub while making upgrades.
Here’s some of bigger-name entertainers who have performed at the nightclub that opened in 2011.
Blake Shelton performs at height of popularity on ‘The Voice’
Blake Shelton was at the peak of his popularity about a dozen years ago, as one of the judges on the NBC music reality show “The Voice.”
And Southwest Florida was buzzing in 2013 when word spread that Blake Shelton would be performing at Dixie Roadhouse. Shelton sang and made for a memorable night for those in attendance.
He served as a judge on the popular show from 2011 to 2023.
Eli Young Band makes first SWFL appearance
This country band launched into a 90-minute set Sept. 3, 2014, that featured its biggest hits, including “Drunk Last Night,” “Even If It Breaks Your Heart” and “Crazy Girl.”
Opening acts warmed up the crowd, as cigarette and cigar smoke created a haze above the main floor by the time Eli Young Band took the stage.
“This is our first time playing in the Fort Myers area,” lead singer Mike Eli told the crowd that night.
Eli capped off the night with a final thanks before singing “Crazy Girl.”
“Right here, for this moment,” he said, “we are forever grateful.”
Creed singer Scott Stapp’s acousting show
Creed has enjoyed a revival of sorts in recent years, with Scott Stapp the face of the band as its lead singer.
Stapp performed an acoustic concert at Dixie Roadhouse in 2017 and undoubtedly played some of Creed’s biggest hits, like “With Arms Wide Open” and “Higher.”
His band that night included guitarist Ron “Bumblefoot” Thal from Art of Anarchy and Guns N’ Roses.
“It was a long journey with many ups and downs and many false starts to finally get to a place where, you know, you have to hit your bottom,” Stapp told Runnells in a 2017 News-Press story, referring to his struggles at the time with substance abuse.
“And that’s different for everybody.”
Cole Swindell rocked Roadhouse in 2014
The country star ― with hits including “Love You Too Late” and “Chillin’ It” ― likely felt right at home playing at Dixie Roadhouse.
The 42-year-old Dawson, Georgia, native has returned to perform in Southwest Florida, including a music festival in November 2024 in Port Charlotte.
Other bands who have played Dixie Roadhouse
Puddle of Mudd performed a couple times since 2014
Buckcherry in 2016 and 2019
Keyshia Cole in April 2018
David Allan Coe in October 2017
The Misfits in 2017
Saliva and Colt Ford in December 2016
Keith Sweat in 2016
Big and Rich in 2015
Molly Hatchet and Blackfoot in 2015
Little Texas with Grayson Rogers in 2015
2 Live Crew in 2014
Jason Derulo in 2014
Neal McCoy and Jon Pardi in 2013
Saliva in 2012
Vanilla Ice in 2012
What’s next for Dixie Roadhouse
New owners Bob and Anita Taft closed the purchase on Sept. 17, according to Taft and former co-owner David Townsend. Townsend says he and his wife, Lynn Pippenger, will stay on for another 30 days to help with the transition. Then they’re retiring.