The Wharf Miami Set to Close Making Way For Groundbreaking Of Riverside Wharf On the Miami River

The Wharf Miami will close on Saturday, September 16 to make way for the expansion of the venue at the highly anticipated Riverside Wharf development. The iconic entertainment venue has welcomed millions of guests, hosted hundreds of cultural experiences and events, and became a space where countless cherished memories were made for all who have experienced the venue since its doors opened in November 2017. Originally the brainchild of Breakwater Hospitality Group’s Emi Guerra and MV Real Estate Holdings (MVREH)’s Alex Mantecon, The Wharf Miami has pioneered the open-air, waterfront concept and played a significant role in establishing the Miami River District as a world-class entertainment destination, as well as shaped the direction of entertainment venues in South Florida.

The Wharf Miami’s final weekend, dubbed “The Closing Parties” will be a monumental celebration kicking off with “The Closing Parties: & MORE!” on Friday, September 15, a themed celebration of everyone’s favorite moments and holidays at The Wharf Miami taking place from 4:00 p.m. - 3:00 a.m. The venue will be entirely decked out from top to bottom with “giant inflatables, photo moments, featured cocktails & more!” in celebration of The Wharf Miami’s most iconic events over the past five years. Seven themed bars with unique cocktails will include Cinco de Mayo, St. Patrick’s Day, Blowfish & Friends, HogWharf, Christmas and the 90s.

On Saturday, September 16, The Wharf Miami will host “The Closing Parties: Bon Voyage” from 12:00 p.m. - 3:00 a.m., the venue’s final day and a pure celebration of what makes The Wharf Miami. The first 500 people to arrive with an RSVP on Saturday will have a chance to spin a prize wheel to win The Wharf Miami merchandise. To RSVP for The Wharf Miami’s closing events, visit WharfMiami.com.

Upon closing of The Wharf Miami, seawall work will begin for the future site of Riverside Wharf, which is anticipated to break ground by end of year. Riverside Wharf will be home to the rebirth and expansion of The Wharf Miami, evolving from a pop-up experience to a world-class permanent establishment. Riverside Wharf as a whole will also include a 165-key Dream Hotel, an impressive 30,000-square-foot nightclub and rooftop day club, 16,000 square feet of signature restaurants, a 12,000-square-foot event hall, and a marina component.

“When we opened The Wharf Miami, it was a total game changer for the Miami River District and a never-before-seen concept in South Florida. Over the past six years, we have had the honor of operating this venue while bringing unique events, culinary concepts and an amazing atmosphere which forever changed Miami’s social scene. Watching the venue become so successful and beloved over time has been incredibly gratifying, we are proud to have created a space where guests felt welcomed and created lifelong memories,” said Emi Guerra, co-founder of Breakwater Hospitality Group. “While The Wharf Miami is closed, we are working hard to bring an impressive, elevated experience to Riverside Wharf, a project that would not have been possible without the support of our community. We invite guests to join us during the closing weekend to celebrate six incredible years of The Wharf Miami and what’s to come.”

Developed by MV Real Estate Holdings (MVREH) in conjunction with Driftwood Capital and Merrimac Ventures, the 10-story, 200,000-square-foot project will be the defining development for Miami’s Downtown core as a city-within-a-city, all-encompassing destination for unparalleled entertainment, exceptional dining and world renowned hotel accommodations. It will encompass a highly amenitized, 165-key Dream Miami luxury hotel, a world-class 30,000-square-foot nightclub and rooftop day club, a high-energy 12,000-square-foot event hall and mezzanine, as well as The Wharf Miami’s expansion. The property has been designed by Jon Cardello of Cube3 Architects, with interior designs by world-renowned iCrave and landscape design by Savino-Miller Design Studio.

“As Miami locals, it has been incredible to watch our city grow and experience The Wharf Miami’s evolution over time. The Wharf Miami has truly put the Miami River District on the map as a world-class entertainment destination. We are excited to begin the development of Riverside Wharf in this special location. This project will become a landmark property for Miami's Downtown core and provide a never-before-seen experience to our community, as well as will bring The Wharf Miami back as a permanent establishment on the waterfront,” said Alex Mantecon, CEO of MV Real Estate Holdings.

Dedicated to improving the neighborhood and giving back to the community, the developers of Riverside Wharf will construct a new public riverwalk along the development site as well as a state-of-the-art sea level rise initiative that will include building a new seawall. The project also will pay homage to the neighborhood’s historic fishing culture with a permanent Garcia’s Fish Market, where locals can get the freshest catch daily.

Last August, City of Miami’s referendum item #152 was passed after being unanimously supported by the Miami City Commission. This referendum added 50 years to Riverside Wharf’s current lease of a city-owned parcel of land which will be part of the development site, paving the way for Riverside Wharf to become a longstanding part of the Miami River community. This vote allows Riverside Wharf and its development partners the ability to provide the community with more jobs, commit more money to the City of Miami, improve the riverwalk and public areas near the property as well as improve the conditions of the aforementioned surrounding seawall.

The Wharf Fort Lauderdale will remain open and operational, alongside Breakwater Hospitality Group’s additional concepts which include recently opened, open-air waterfront venue Regatta Grove in Coconut Grove; beloved Irish pub JohnMartin’s on Miracle Mile in Coral Gables; seafood-forward restaurant concept Rivertail in Downtown Fort Lauderdale; and open-air gathering spot Carousel Club at Gulfstream Park in Hallandale Beach.

Breakwater Hospitality Group Reveals Regatta Grove Star-Studded Culinary Line-Up

Breakwater Hospitality Group is set to open its newest concept, Regatta Grove, later this month. Situated along Biscayne Bay in Coconut Grove at the new Regatta Harbour development, the community gathering spot will come to life with exceptional activations, groovy music and lofty waterfront views that together offer a relaxed, yet elevated experience. A star-studded lineup of culinary outposts by Michelin-starred and James Beard Award-nominated chefs will line the perimeter of the city’s next hotspot, set to become the place to be for the quintessential Coconut Grove experience. Industry powerhouses and co-founders of Breakwater Hospitality Group, Emi Guerra and Alex Mantecon, are excited to expand their presence along the east coast, offering unforgettable and unparalleled entertainment venues in South Florida.

Three large bars will feature a wide selection of premium spirits, wine and beer, ensuring that guests can find the perfect beverage to suit their taste. In addition to the extensive offering of premium beverage brands, Regatta Grove will primarily focus its beverage program on an extensive list of refreshing, tropical cocktails and large format drinks made to share, all crafted with fresh fruit to compliment the open-air setting.

“Regatta Grove is a one-of-a-kind concept and a special opportunity for our team to bring a fresh perspective on waterfront entertainment to South Florida,” says Emi Guerra, co-founder of Breakwater Hospitality Group. “Breakwater Hospitality Group’s goal is to continue elevating entertainment experiences while bringing innovative activations, creative beverage programs and chef-driven dining concepts together in one convenient location. Regatta Grove is an evolution of our current concepts, remaining in line with our company’s purpose and identity. We are excited to welcome guests to experience all Regatta Grove has to offer this summer. ”

A diverse array of food offerings will showcase each chef's unique perspective and expertise to create an experience second to none. Regatta Grove’s culinary outposts led by renowned chefs include:

JJ's (Guilty Pleasures) by Chef Jeremy Ford: JJ's (Guilty Pleasures) is named after the fast food and guilty pleasure items that Chef Jeremy Ford and his mother used to enjoy together. The menu consists of delicious burgers, including a mouth-watering fried soft-shell crab burger that's sure to be a hit with seafood lovers. In addition to the burgers, there are tacos, savory truffle fries, and crispy onion rings. Chef Jeremy Ford is a winner of Top Chef Season 13, a host on TV Show Fast Foodies and was recently awarded a Michelin Star for his renowned restaurant, Stubborn Seed.

The Piefather by Chef Jose Mendin: The Piefather is a pizza and Italian restaurant concept, created and curated by five-time James Beard award-nominated Chef Jose Mendin. Each pizza is inspired by a passion for creating unique, flavorful dishes. In line with those strong values that separate The Piefather from the average pizza shop, every item on the menu is crafted to make diners feel like a true part of the Piefather family. Quality is at the core of every pizza crafted, with quality ingredients being the pillar of an unforgettable pizza. Whether it’s the signature house-made “Don” specialty sauce, imported Italian toppings or the original fresh dough, every dish is infused with passion, imagination, and attention to detail.

Sunny Side Aussie Bites + Ice by Chef Janine Booth: Janine Booth, a Top Chef veteran and James Beard semi-finalist nominee transplanted from down under, cooks up native Australian bites in this sun-soaked waterfront cafe with love. A flavor-packed menu will feature savory Aussie pies, sausage rolls and empanadas, as well as healthy dishes like avocado toast, sunny salads and vibrant ripe fruit-filled sorbets and ice creams.

House of Birds & Drop Biscuits by Chef Kenny Gilbert: At House of Birds, guests can indulge in Signature Fried Chicken and Artisanal Drop Biscuit Sandwiches, along with an assortment of delicious salads and sides. The signature dish features Chef Kenny Gilbert’s original Classic Chicken Sandwich paired with the mouthwatering Flavor Bomb Sauce. Chef Gilbert's impressive credentials include being a finalist on Season 7 of Top Chef, as well as publishing his highly acclaimed cookbook, Southern Cooking, Global Flavors.

Tackle Box by Chef Jeff McInnis: A native Florida fisherman turned chef, Jeff McInnis cooks up local seafood in this waterfront fish shack with a view. From local fish tail sliders to chilled stone crab and caviar, you’ll be humbled with the freshest and best that the good ol’ Florida coast has to offer. As a Top Chef veteran and James Beard semi-finalist nominee, Chef McInnis brings his culinary expertise and knowledge to every dish he creates.

These outposts have been curated by and will be operated by CEOs and co-founders Francesco Balli and Ignacio Garcia-Menocal of Grove Bay Hospitality Group. The group is notably behind award-winning venues such as Stubborn Seed and Red Rooster Overtown, among others across South Florida, and brings an A-list roster of chef partners to craft stellar concepts at Regatta Grove.

“What sets Regatta Grove apart from any other venue in Miami is the uniqueness of its location,” said Alex Mantecon, co-founder of Breakwater Hospitality Group. “The venue is inspired by the essence of the sailing and boating community we all grew up enjoying in the neighborhood. As Miami locals, we have an immense appreciation for this community and wanted to create a one-of-a-kind experience that will resonate with the people of Coconut Grove.”

Regatta Grove encompasses approximately one acre, including three large outdoor bars and 412 seats with a total capacity for 981 people standing and seated. The nautical-themed concept takes inspiration from Florida’s coast, and the venue itself has been designed to resemble the bow of a boat. The space is surrounded by green lawn areas for a variety of new entertainment and wellness programming. The venue features multiple decks, a walkway to the waterfront, direct access to the marina and dockage for guests who would like to arrive by boat. Regatta Grove was designed by John Cardello from Cube 3, with finishes designed by Hexecute.

Regatta Grove is located at 3415 Pan American Drive, Miami, FL 33133 at Regatta Harbour.

Images and Renderings via Breakwater Hospitality Group

Breakwater Hospitality Group’s Rivertail Debuts New Summer Menus in Fort Lauderdale

Situated along the New River in Downtown Fort Lauderdale, Breakwater Hospitality Group’s Rivertail has unveiled its new brunch and dinner menus, expanding its seafood-driven selection of creative and bold flavors that have earned the restaurant its reputation as one of the best in town. Under the direction of five-time James Beard-nominated Jose Mendin, Chef Partner at Rivertail, the eatery draws inspiration from international cuisines, combining diverse flavors and offering a unique array of dishes for those with seafood indulgence in mind. 

Named “Best Restaurant Fort Lauderdale 2020” by Miami New Times, the vibrant neighborhood eatery offers both indoor and patio seating located just steps away from the sister concept, The Wharf Fort Lauderdale.  “We’re thrilled to expand Rivertail’s fresh seafood offerings and give diners more of the dishes they crave at our beloved restaurant with unbeatable waterfront views in the heart of Fort Lauderdale along Downtown’s iconic Riverwalk,” said Emi Guerra, co-founder of Breakwater Hospitality, the visionary firm known for its smash-hit entertainment venues throughout South Florida including The Wharf Miami and The Wharf Fort Lauderdale, as well as Carousel Club in Hallandale Beach. 

The new brunch and dinner menus at Rivertail include a variety of different items such as Passion Fruit Ceviche with blue cobia, bay scallops, tiger shrimp, passion fruit, heirloom tomatoes, pearl onions, crispy tostones; Seafood Nachos with blackened tiger shrimp, pickled onions, guacamole, pico de gallo, crab queso, shredded lettuce, and lime crema; Crispy Chicken Sandwich with breaded chicken breast, gruyere cheese, brioche, butter lettuce, tomato, Rivertail sauce, and fries; Spicy Tuna Toast with yellowfin tuna, spicy aioli on brioche toast with sriracha; Tuna Tataki Salad with yellowfin tuna, spring mix greens, heirloom tomatoes, crispy malanga, and miso ginger dressing; Honey Kimchi Wings dipped in sweet chili ranch and sesame; Mussels Maria with PEI mussels, tomatoes, Bermuda onions, and lemon caper butter; Yellowtail Ceviche Taquitos with ginger, soy, jalapeño and miso; Blue Cobia with piquillo sauce, bamboo leaf, and grilled lemon; Branzino a La Grenobloise with capers, lemon, parsley, and butter; Garlic Parmesan Crusted Trout rainbow trout, garlic lemon, grilled artichokes, and a special monthly featured “Taco of the Month.” Highlights from the brunch menu include the Lobster Benedict with poached organic eggs, brioche toast, and yuzu hollandaise, the Chicken N’ Waffles with Korean BBQ syrup and spicy ranch, and the Rivertail Powerbowl with either salmon poke or grilled salmon, chopped kale, cashews, quinoa, avocado, baby heirloom tomatoes, cucumber, and miso dressing.

Rivertail is located at 4 W Las Olas Blvd Ste. 120, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301. It is open for dinner Tuesday through Thursday from 5 to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 5 to 11 p.m., and Sunday from 5 to 9 p.m. Rivertail is open for brunch on Saturday from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m