Local Partnerships like Flavors on 5th are the Lifeline of Restaurants in August
July 18, 2025
Michael Mir is the chef and owner of Bha! Bha! Persian Bistro on 865 5th Avenue South in Naples, Fla. He has been serving Persian cuisine with passion and purpose since 1997.As a chef and small business owner in Naples for more than two decades, I’ve weathered many seasons, both culinary and otherwise. But nothing tests a restaurant quite like August in Southwest Florida. The sun is at its hottest, the snowbirds have long flown north, and the rhythm of our tourist-driven economy slows to a crawl. For many of us in the hospitality business, this time of year is less about creativity and cuisine and more about survival. That’s why partnerships like Flavors on 5th are not just appreciated — they are essential.
In its simplest form, Flavors on 5th is a summer dining promotion. But what it really represents is something much larger: a show of solidarity. It’s a collaboration between independent restaurants like mine, dedicated customers and our neighbors, all working together to accomplish two important goals: keep our doors open during the slowest part of the year and support meaningful local causes. When people dine out during this promotion, they’re not just enjoying a special menu or a discounted prix fixe—they’re helping keep our servers, cooks, dishwashers and bartenders employed, and they’re contributing to charitable efforts that uplift the entire community.
Running a restaurant is hard work year-round, but the challenges multiply in the summer months. Rents stay the same. Utility bills don’t drop just because fewer guests are walking through the door. And our team members—many of whom rely on hourly wages and tips—still need steady work to support their families. Flavors on 5th helps fill those gaps by giving people a reason to dine out locally during a time when doing so really matters.
This kind of collaboration is the heartbeat of Naples’ culinary scene. The spirit behind it reminds me of the values I brought with me from Iran—values of hospitality, mutual support and shared responsibility. In Persian culture, food is not just sustenance; it’s an expression of care and community. Meals are meant to be shared. And so is the success of our neighborhood.
I’ve been proud to continue our “Taste of Persia” summer menu at Bha! Bha! as part of the Flavors on 5th initiative. It’s a chance to showcase the depth and elegance of Persian cuisine, from delicately spiced stews to saffron rice and fresh seafood dishes bursting with summer flavors. But more importantly, it’s a way to invite our community in and say: your presence here has power. Every reservation helps keep a small business afloat. Every dinner served keeps a team employed. Every dollar spent ripples outward.
Even more inspiring is the charitable aspect of Flavors on 5th. $1 from every prix fixe dinner sold goes to Beverly’s Angels during the month-long promotion. At Bha! Bha!, we’ve always believed that giving back is a responsibility, not a luxury. We are only as strong as the community that supports us and initiatives like this help ensure that our success is shared with those who need it most.
I also want to recognize the behind-the-scenes efforts it takes to make Flavors on 5th happen. Organizers, marketers, nonprofit partners and restaurant owners have worked together to create something that’s more than just a promotion. It’s a celebration of what makes Naples unique. We are a town known for our elegance and beauty, but also for our generosity, resilience and community-minded spirit.
As a chef, I can tell you that no dish comes together without many hands at work. The same is true of a thriving restaurant scene. It takes everyone: the guests who choose to dine locally rather than traveling out of town or cooking at home; the staff who bring passion and professionalism to every plate; the fellow restaurateurs who commit to excellence even during slow months; and the civic leaders who support small businesses not just with words, but with action.
I encourage everyone in Naples to participate in Flavors on 5th this August. Make a reservation. Try something new. Post a photo. Tell a friend. And know that you’re doing more than enjoying a good meal — you are helping keep our vibrant local restaurant scene alive.
August may be our quietest month, but with the right support, it can still be one of our most meaningful.
Respectfully,
Michael Mir
