PacMan ignited video wars on this day in 1980 when the popular video game arrived in arcades across the country. For mere quarter you could play PacMan in malls, movie theaters, and pizza joints everywhere. The video game was so popular it spawned a Ms. PacMan game and a popular song called "PacMan Fever" by Buckner and Garcia that peaked at number 9 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the U.S. in 1982.
More games followed like Space Invaders and Donkey Kong. Eventually, Atari cashed in by creating home versions of these games that could be played on your TV. Eventually, video games based on popular sports like baseball and football became available.
The one-dimensional graphics of the home versions were poor but kids did not know any different. Certainly, few could imagine that the future would bring realistic 3-D video games like Madden NFL and any other sport you wish.
PACMAN IGNITED VIDEO WARS
In addition to sports videos, PacMan ignited video wars with the spread of violent games like Mortal Kombat and Grand Theft Auto as they made billions of dollars due to their wide popularity. Mobile games like Candy Crush and Pokemon became available too. No longer did a family sit down and play a board game like Monopoly or Sorry. Those became too boring to keep today's kid's attention spans.
As for me? I was never really good at any of them. Never did I get to put my electronic initials into an arcade video's top ten performer list. Nor did I keep advancing with the technology with the enthusiasm that millions of other players did. I started with Atari and dabbled with Wii. That's about it and it probably puts me in a small minority of people compared to those who spend thousands of hours enjoying these games. But PacMan ignited video wars between all of these games 44 years ago.
What is your favorite game? Tune into Craig Shemon and Company on ESPN Southwest Florida as we play video game Trivia for prizes. Good luck.
If I've said it once, I've said it a million times, there is a national holiday honoring just about anything. And this month is no exception, it's National Hamburger Month in May, according to NationalToday.com.
What is a burger? Merriam Webster defines a burger as similar to a hamburger, which is defined as ground beef or a patty of ground beef used in a sandwich split typically by a round bun. Nowadays, you’ll find tofu burgers, turkey burgers, Impossible burgers, among other concoctions. But, when it comes down to the best burger in Fort Myers, where should we go?
Burgers are a go to here in the US, whether you grab one from a food truck, at a drive thru or grill your own at a backyard BBQ at home. Hamburgers, in my opinion, are best with cheese, fried egg, bacon, mustard and ketchup. Yes, things get messy.
Where To Grab A Burger In Fort Myers
The folks over at Yelp! did the work for us. If you're not familiar with Yelp! they rank local restaurants and specific food and drink options based off of user reviews and recommendations.
I'd be remiss if I didn't mention a location that is loved by Southwest Florida locals, absent from this list. We can't forget about Cabbage Key. Their burgers are nothing fancy, but they are good and the atmosphere cannot be beat. I also really enjoy the potato salad...a lot!
These Are The Top 8 Hot Spots For A Burger In Fort Myers
8. Whiskey Creek Station
11481 McGregor Blvd, Fort Myers, FL 33919
The Whiskey Creek Station is a family style restaurant that has been serving the local community under different owners. Previously named Clancey's Restaurant or Clancey"s Irish Pub.
Open Tuesday - Sunday 11am - 9pm and closed on Mondays.
7. Fat Katz Slider Bar
19800 Village Center Drive, Unit 200 Fort Myers
Fat Katz Slider Bar is sister restaurant to two local favorites, Fat Katz Sports Bar and Skinny Dogz Brunchery, both in Fort Myers. The Slider Bar is located super close to FGCU, making this a favorite for college kids here in Fort Myers.
Open daily 11am - 9pm.
6. Lehne Burger
Two locations, one in Fort Myers and one in Cape Coral. The hours vary at each location so make sure to check the hours here before you head over for a burger.
Always promising 100% fresh meat for their handcrafted burgers. One reviewer said Jimmy Buffet probably ate a burger from Lehne's when he wrote 'Cheeseburger in Paradise'. That's quite the compliment.
Check out their Burger Meets Craziness Tuesdays. Order a double or bigger burger with a side and get up to seven toppings free. On Wednesdays kids eat for $5.99 and on Thursdays you'll get a free milkshake with your burger and fries.
They've got many other specials throughout the week, and you can read all about those here.
5. 10 Twenty Five
Two locations, one in Cape Coral and one in Downtown Fort Myers.
Providing a variety of unique homestyle scratch kitchen entrees, crafted cocktails & local craft beer. 10 Twenty Five is open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 11am - 11pm, on Friday and Saturday from 11am - 12am and Sunday 11am - 8pm.
I think they'll even let you bring your dog.
4. Motor City Coney Island
16571 S Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers
Motor City is open Monday through Friday from 7am - 10pm and Sunday from 7am - 8pm.
While I am typically a hot dog girl, these burgers look delish. A quick glance at their menu has my mouth watering. You'll find burgers like the MCC with chili, cheese, mustard and onions, which sounds like a hot dog, and a classic burger option so you can choose your own toppings.
And get this...$2.99 burgers on Mondays
3. Ford's Garage
3 locations in Southwest Florida - Downtown Fort Myers - Cape Coral - Estero
Ford's in Fort Myers is open Monday - Thursday 11am - 10pm, Friday from 11am - 11pm. Saturdays for Brunch/Lunch from 10:30am - 3pm and dinner from 11am - 11pm. On Sundays they open again for Brunch/Lunch from 10:30am - 3pm, switching to dinner from 3pm - 10pm.
2. Buckingham Farms
12931 Orange River Blvd, Fort Myers, FL 33905
Buckingham Farms is a full farm-to-table experience! Pick up your fresh produce, order an amazing meal, or reserve a beautiful wedding & event destination today. The produce is fresh, the meals are delicious, and the farm is a sight to see!
Open Tuesday - Saturday for breakfast and lunch and on Fridays, for dinner to go, from 5pm - 6pm.
1. Fat Katz Sports Bistro
10080 Daniels Interstate Ct, Fort Myers, FL 33913
Sister restaurant to Skinny Dogz and the new Fat Katz Slider Bar. Fat Katz serves up unique cuisine that you won't find anywhere else. Whether you're craving a juicy burger, a piled-high sandwich, or some delicious wings, we've got you covered. We pride ourselves on our homemade recipes and use of fresh, high-quality ingredients.
Fat Katz is right near my house off of Daniels and I've been many times. FAT KATZ BURGERS ARE AMAZING!
Open daily from 11am - 9pm.
