Neptune’s Bar & Grill owner invites Trump to Daytona Beach opening

Philip Simonetta is publicly inviting President Donald J. Trump to stop by Neptune’s Bar & Grill on Main Street during the president’s Oct. 30 visit to Daytona Beach. Simonetta says the visit would spotlight a small-business rebuild completed in 45 days and the role local entrepreneurs play in downtown revival.

Why it matters: - Philip Simonetta is framing Neptune’s Bar & Grill as a case study in small-business reinvestment on Daytona Beach’s Main Street. - The invitation ties a local business turnaround to President Donald J. Trump’s planned Oct. 30, 2026, visit to Daytona Beach. - Simonetta is using the moment to highlight downtown business investment, job creation and the role of locally owned venues in neighborhood recovery.

What happened: - Simonetta extended a public and personal invitation to President Trump to visit Neptune’s Bar & Grill during the president’s Daytona Beach stop. - Simonetta asked Trump to meet the team, see the American flag painted on the building and visit the Main Street restaurant. - Simonetta said the visit would honor the work done to rebuild the property in 45 days. - Simonetta said he would welcome Trump to Neptune’s whether the visit lasts five minutes or an hour.

The details: - Simonetta entered into a contract to acquire Neptune’s Bar & Grill in June 2026 and closed on the property on July 1. - The project included a full rebuilding and renovation effort rather than a simple reopening. - The work included five air-conditioning units, extensive painting, new signage, fencing, kitchen equipment, new beverage equipment, beer-line work, floor restoration, repairs and other upgrades across the property. - Simonetta also handled inspections, regulatory requirements and licensing while preparing the business for customers. - Neptune’s opened its doors for its official grand opening on Oct. 9, 2026, ahead of Daytona Beach’s Biketoberfest festivities. - Simonetta said he was personally involved in the rebuild alongside workers on the project. - The business is located on Main Street in Daytona Beach and features food, drinks, entertainment, an upstairs bar and patio, and private-event space.

Between the lines: - Simonetta is presenting the restaurant as more than a hospitality opening; he is linking the project to American entrepreneurship and personal financial risk. - The prominent American flag painted on the building is meant to signal that message, Simonetta said. - Simonetta’s pitch is also political in tone, aimed at showing Trump a small-business operation he believes reflects the kind of work the president understands. - The invitation doubles as a spotlight on Daytona Beach’s Main Street and other local businesses investing in the area.

What's next: - Trump is scheduled to visit Daytona Beach on Friday, Oct. 30, 2026. - Simonetta said he hopes the president’s schedule allows for a stop at Neptune’s Bar & Grill. - Simonetta said he wants to introduce Trump to the employees and the people who helped rebuild the venue. - Simonetta is also seeking attention for Main Street Daytona Beach and its future as a business district.

The bottom line: - Simonetta wants Neptune’s Bar & Grill to stand as proof that a small business can be rebuilt fast, opened successfully and tied to a broader revival story for downtown Daytona Beach.