Today is April 24, 2026, and we have exciting news for those who appreciate a delightful blend of fine dining and entertainment. The Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre in Fort Myers, Florida, has once again made its mark in the culinary and theatrical scene, being recognized in USA Today’s 10BEST Readers’ Choice Awards for 2026. This year, the theater has climbed to an impressive sixth place, up from tenth in 2025. It stands out as one of the few remaining dinner theaters in Florida, continuing to captivate audiences with its unique offerings.
For over 30 years, Broadway Palm has been delighting guests with its buffet meals before shows and plated dinners on weekends. The menu is as dynamic as the performances themselves, changing with each show and even offering a special kids’ menu during Children’s Theatre productions. The main stage hosts a rich variety of concerts and Broadway shows, including favorites like ‘Annie’ and ‘Cats.’ With over 4.3 million attendees since its opening, this theater has become a cherished staple of the local community.
The Award-Winning Experience
Broadway Palm’s recognition is not just a stroke of luck; it comes from a rigorous selection process. A panel of industry experts nominates exceptional dinner theaters across the U.S., and then readers cast their votes to determine the best. This year, the full 10BEST list includes:
- 1. New Theatre & Restaurant (Overland Park, Kansas)
- 2. Alhambra Theatre & Dining (Jacksonville, Florida)
- 3. Toby’s Dinner Theatre (Columbia, Maryland)
- 4. Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre (Lancaster, Pennsylvania)
- 5. Mosley Street Melodrama (Wichita, Kansas)
- 6. Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre (Fort Myers, Florida)
- 7. Circa ’21 Dinner Playhouse (Rock Island, Illinois)
- 8. Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre (Indianapolis)
- 9. Derby Dinner Playhouse (Clarksville, Indiana)
- 10. Silver Dollar City’s Showboat (Branson, Missouri)
The theater is located in Royal Palm Square, occupying 14 acres and originally opened in a former Publix grocery store in 1993. It started with just 25 employees and has grown to about 225, with an annual budget of approximately $10 million. The current owner, Will Prather, took over after his father, Tom Prather, retired and passed away in 2023. This legacy continues to influence the theater’s commitment to providing high-quality entertainment and dining experiences.
A Legacy of Entertainment
As a dinner theater, Broadway Palm combines fine dining with a rotating calendar of plays and musicals, which are performed by talented actors. Guests enjoy their meals in comfortable seating, savoring a mix of culture, cuisine, comfort, and community. The article by journalist Charles Runnells, featured on the cover of the April 26 edition of News-Press and Naples Daily News, dives into the theater’s history and its promising future.
With its continued success and recognition, Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre remains a vibrant part of Florida’s entertainment landscape, inviting locals and visitors alike to indulge in an unforgettable evening of food and performance. For more details on the best dinner theaters across the country, you can check out the full list from USA Today.
As the theater continues to evolve and entertain, it stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of dinner theaters in the modern entertainment scene.