Mako’s Coastal Kitchen is open in Englewood, and for Chef Michael Klocinski, it’s truly a family operation.
Step inside Mako’s and you’ll find more than just seafood. It’s fresh and high-quality, and there’s an energy here that comes from people who care about the Englewood community.
The service is fast; the atmosphere is stylish and welcoming, and the menu has something for everyone, from Ahi Tuna Tartare to their juicy Smash Burgers, which include two, four ounce Certified Angus Beef Patties (Chuck, Brisket & Short Rib Blend) choice of fries or vegetable slaw, served on a toasted brioche bun. Since their soft opening on March 27th, customers keep coming back for more.
Mike and his wife Alexis aren’t just business owners; they’re part of the Englewood community. Mike’s an animal lover at heart, and he’s excited to connect with local groups to help promote pet adoption and care. “I’d love to do an event where people stop by, enjoy some free food, and check out adoptable pets. And if you take home a new furry friend, I’ll give you a gift card to Mako’s,” he says.
Supporting local art is another big piece of what makes Mako’s unique. Walk in, and you’ll notice the original work of Sebastian decorating the walls. A 13-year-old artist and angler from Sarasota, even the Florida Wildlife Commission has noticed Sebastian’s talent. “We’re proud to show off ‘Sebastian in the Wild.’ Come in, see his work, and support a young artist,” says Mike.
Mako’s really is about family. Mike’s daughter, Karli, designed the restaurant’s logo. His son, Tyler, did the tile work and Riley, his other son, helps wherever he can. Alexis, Mike’s wife, runs the marketing. Everyone contributes.
But this all comes together because of Mike’s background; he’s the only American Culinary Federation Certified Executive Chef in Southwest Florida between Fort Myers and Venice. That’s rare, and it sets Mako’s apart.
So, who is Chef Michael Klocinski? He got his start at fifteen, washing dishes in Lima, Ohio. He stuck with it, graduated high school, moved to Columbus, and took a job at La Scala Italian Bistro, working his way up to lead line cook. That’s where he met Alexis, started a family, and began a journey through some of the best clubs and kitchens in the country.
After a three-year chef’s apprenticeship at Muirfield Village Golf Club, he learned what it took to lead a kitchen. He earned a chef position at Shaker Heights Country Club, running things there for five years before moving to Forest Highlands Golf Club in Arizona and then to Boca Bay Pass Club in Florida. Ten years in Boca Grande, a brief adventure in South Carolina, and then the family found themselves drawn to Englewood, a town they had always found special.
One thing Mike’s known for? His teams. He believes in giving his staff the tools and support they need to grow. His motto is, “The answer is yes—what’s the question?” That mindset runs through Mako’s service and kitchen staff. He’s been hands-on for years, not just as a chef, but in planning, budgeting, even helping design kitchens during club renovations.
Mike and Alexis have raised three kids: Karli, Riley and Tyler, who is building a name for himself in construction and tile.
With deep roots, a love for food, family, and community, Mako’s brings something new and exciting to Englewood. Come and experience it for yourself.
For more information makoscoastalkitchen.com.
