MEGHAN McCOY Capt’n Con’s Fish House owner Luretta Williams-Sims and bartender Nathan Smith stand behind the new bar at the restaurant.

The owner of Capt’n Con’s Fish House is back and making improvements for the long-time restaurant in Bokeelia.

Capt’n Con’s Fish House owner Luretta Williams-Sims purchased the restaurant in 1995 after she worked there on and off for 30 years. Three years ago she decided to open a restaurant in Kentucky, which is where her focus remained during those years, although she still owned the Bokeelia restaurant.

“I’m really back here,” Williams-Sims said about selling her restaurant in Kentucky, so she could focus on Capt’n Con’s. “This restaurant has been good to me, helped me raise my kids. This restaurant has given me everything that I have.”

Unfortunately while she was away, the service did not remain at the level in which she operates her business, which forced a lot of people away.

“I apologize to all of my locals that have come here and have been mistreated,” Williams-Sims said. “I apologize to everybody.”

Since she is back, she promises the community that things are going to get better.

“It’s going to get back to the way it used to be,” Williams-Sims said.

She said she wants individuals to let her know if they experience bad service at her restaurant, so she can fix it right away.

“I take everything seriously and personally,” Williams-Sims said.

Servers and cooks are currently being sought to work at Capt’n Con’s. Williams-Sims said those interested have to love people and treat them the way they want to be treated when they go out to eat.

A new menu item, a 12-ounce ribeye with a baked potato and a salad, as well as old favorites such as sea food chowder are a few of the choices one can eat while at the restaurant.

The old-Florida-style building has undergone some remodeling and clean-up since the second week of July, along with an air conditioning unit that works.

A portion of the remodeling includes a bar within the restaurant.

“It’s a cozy bar that seats a few people,” she said.

Williams-Sims said they will run beer and appetizer specials from 7 p.m. to closing. The beer choices include Bud Light, Miller Light and Yuengling. The bar will also serve frozen drinks, which includes daiquiries.

A few flat screens will also grace the walls for ball games.

A big room in the back of the restaurant, which can be used for birthday parties or private parties, was also remodeled with new splashes of color on the wall, as well as decor. Williams-Sims said there will be one server who takes care of the private party in the back room.

To add to the decor, Williams-Sims said she is looking for an old pair of mullet boots that someone would like to donate to the restaurant. The name of the donor will be written on the boots.

Williams-Sims said she wants the restaurant to be a family friendly place for everyone to come.

There will be entertainment every Friday and Saturday night starting at 8 p.m. for those who like to perform karaoke.

“I don’t care if you can sing or not,” Williams-Sims said.

She said they also are planning to have a bike night once a week at the restaurant as well.

Williams-Sims said she is ready to wake up Bokeelia.

“Come back and give us a try,” she said and check out the million dollar sunset.