Miami Health Food Hotspot Expands To South Miami And Signs Lease To Open Second Brickell Location

Miami’s health food hotspot Pura Vida has continued their expansion with the unveiling of the brand’s latest café in South Miami and has signed a lease to open a second location in Brickell. The South Miami location marks Pura Vida’s 12th location to date, and they plan to open another Coconut Grove location in addition to the newly revealed second Brickell location.

The South Miami location opened in late September and is located just steps away from Sunset Place and the University of Miami at Pura Vida South Miami will be located at 6022 South Dixie Highway. The brand’s South Miami café spans 2,370 sq. ft. of indoor and outdoor seating and showcases Pura Vida’s iconic health-focused menu including their beloved All-Day Breakfast offerings, Bowls, Superfood Smoothies, Açai Bowls, Wraps & Sandwiches, their newly-launched Dinner Plates, and more. Additionally, to coincide with the opening, Pura Vida will be introducing a new ‘Blueberry Cake’ to be offered exclusively at the new South Miami location before rolling out store-wide.

“We are constantly amazed and humbled at how well-received our brand has been, and continues to be, in the different communities we branch into. We’ve had our eyes set on South Miami for some time now and we’re thrilled to finally be bringing this dream to fruition.” - Omer Horev, Co-Founder and CEO of Pura Vida Miami

For the second Brickell location Pura Vida recently signed a lease at 701 Brickell, one of the premier office towers in Miami’s Brickell Financial District. Marking its first location ever in a trophy office tower, Pura Vida will occupy a 5,000-square-foot space and have access to a 2,500-square-foot outdoor patio space with direct proximity to the highly trafficked Brickell Avenue and the neighborhood’s growing residential and workforce population.

JLL Managing Director, Zach Winkler, represented the ownership group, Nuveen Real Estate, in the lease negotiations. According to JLL’s Q2 Retail Outlook, Miami boasts one of the lowest retail vacancy rates in the country at 3.2% compared to other gateway markets including San Francisco, Chicago, New York City, etc.

“As demand for retail space in densely populated urban cores continues to rise, there is limited availability remaining in areas like Brickell, making this restaurant lease with an established brand like Pura Vida especially noteworthy,” said JLL’s Winkler. “701 Brickell’s premier location and high visibility makes it a top choice for food and beverage concepts looking to capitalize on a growing residential and workforce population within the neighborhood.”

Current office tenants at 701 Brickell include Bank of America, Merrill Lynch, Holland & Knight, AIG, EFG Capital, and the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau. A 7,400 square-foot waterfront retail space overlooking Biscayne Bay remains available, featuring oversized windows, 19’ ceiling heights, and the potential for outdoor space.

Founded in 2012 by husband-and-wife duo Omer and Jennifer Horev, Pura Vida was created to serve as a place for friends and family to gather and eat delicious food. The brand currently operates 12 other locations throughout South Florida, including outposts in Coral Gables, Miami Beach’s Sunset Harbour, and Fort Lauderdale, and has plans to expand outside of Florida. The restaurant, which has become hugely popular across South Florida, serves a menu that includes fresh cold-pressed juices and superfood smoothies, artisanal coffees, an extensive all-day menu comprised of breakfast items, customizable salads, bowls, wraps and sandwiches, in addition to dinner items and a wide variety of gluten-free and vegan sweet treats.

Brightline Tops Off Aventura Station With Placement of 131-Foot Long Pedestrian Skybridge

Brightline, the only provider of modern, eco-friendly, intercity rail in America, along with its contractor Lemartec, has topped off the Aventura Station. The topping off took place in the early morning hours of October 8 and consisted of putting into place a 131-foot long, 68-ton pedestrian skybridge on two 41-foot-high vertical transportation towers over a 90-minute period. Stretching across Harriet Tubman Highway (formally known as West Dixie Highway), the skybridge is the final piece of the Aventura station’s structure and connects the station to the platform. This topping off marks the completion of vertical construction.

“This topping off is a testament of our team’s dedication to bring the vision of connectivity to the Northeast Corridor,” said Patrick Goddard, president at Brightline. “Our partners at Miami-Dade County were an integral part of making this station a reality and bringing enhanced access to area residents.” 

Once completed, the 3.5-acre project consisting of the station and its surface parking lot will be Brightline’s fourth in the state, connecting travelers in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton and West Palm Beach, followed by Orlando in 2023. The site also features 240 parking spaces, a bus drop-off for Miami-Dade Transit passengers, and newly landscaped and hardscape areas. 

Located across from Aventura Mall, Brightline’s Aventura station, platform and vertical towers feature 34,000 square feet of space and an 860-foot center loaded platform located within the Florida East Coast Railway and Brightline right-of-way. The station will include its signature autonomous MRKT, SMART and PREMIUM lounges and Brightline+ services. After passing through security, Brightline passengers will be able to access the skybridge from the passenger lounge utilizing an elevator or escalators to the vertical transportation towers. 

“A tremendous amount of effort and energy went into what culminated in the lifting and setting of Aventura station’s pedestrian skybridge,” said Manny Garcia-Tunon, president at Lemartec. “With the help of Miami-Dade County and Florida East Coast Railway, Brightline and Lemartec were able to safely facilitate the coordination of this top off ensuring roads and railroads were clear.” 

“The topping off of the Aventura station brings us one step closer to increasing  mobility for northeast Miami Dade County,” said Mayor Daniella Levin Cava, Miami Dade County. “This station is an important component of my plan to enhance transportation options throughout the county, making it easier for our residents to go to work, school or leisure activities.”

“It is great to see the Aventura Brightline station closer to completion. This commuter stop in Aventura will not only help to alleviate road congestion but will connect a key community to four major downtown communities in South Florida and Orlando in 2023. The impact of this connectivity is vital for northeast Miami Dade County and its residents,” said Commissioner Sally A. Heyman, Miami-Dade County, District 4.

Brightline will provide frequent, express service from the Aventura station to downtown Miami during the peak morning commute period and return service during the evening rush hour period. Trip time between downtown Miami and Aventura is expected to take about 15 minutes.  Miami-Dade County will offer subsidized fares for a percentage of riders between Aventura and MiamiCentral. 

In October 2019, the Citizens’ Independent Transportation Trust (CITT) passed a resolution to approve the property acquisition and development agreement between the County and Brightline. It also approved the use of $76.7 million of surtax dollars for the development of this project, which will serve the Northeast Corridor – one of six corridors in the Strategic Miami Area Rapid Transit (SMART) Plan. The $76 million investment made by Miami-Dade County has created more than 400 jobs during construction and will continue to generate significant economic benefit, including $90.8 million annually in economic impact and $2.7 billion over a 30-year period.

Brightline is expected to launch service to Aventura before the end of the year. The station is located at 19796 West Dixie Highway, Miami, FL 33180.

URBANSPACE ANNOUNCES NATIONAL AND LOCAL VENDORS TO BE FEATURED AT THEIR PREMIERE HOLIDAY MARKET IN MIAMI

Sugar and spice and everything nice, that’s what Urbanspace, a leader in food and retail immersive public markets, is enticing Miami residents and visitors with some of Miami’s most popular brands joining the holiday market on Lincoln Road this holiday season. As the city gears up for the most wonderful time of the year with the recent announcement of Urbanspace’s famed holiday market setting up shop on the Lincoln Road District, the New York-based brand and its Miami partners at INHOUSE Commercial are excited to reveal a preliminary list of popular national and local vendors who will participate with festive gifts and goodies in the market.

Visitors of the Urbanspace Lincoln Road Holiday Market, the first national expansion of the beloved holiday pop up market outside of New York City, are invited to indulge in their favorite treats from celebrated nationally-renowned names like Luke’s Lobster, MozzArepas, and Oyster Party as they stroll the promenade shopping for unique gifts and other exciting items from retailers like Squishables (plush toys), New York Puzzle Company, Gabriela Ceballos (jewelry), and Hera + Hermes (kids clothing and accessories).

Well-liked South Florida epicurean brands such as Watsons Bay Coffee Co., Miami 'N' Ice (ice cream) and Wicked Bread will be on site to make all your sweet and savory wishes come true with an array of desserts, artisanal loaves, and drinks with flavors you can raise a glass to. Shopping for you and your loved ones will be a tropical breeze with a diverse range of goods to choose from including Poured Love (candles), Jaharii Jewelry, and Pawies (animal lover accessories) just to name a few.

“We love hand-picking our favorite fun brands which shoppers can really get excited about,” says Eldon Scott, President of Urbanspace. “Each market is like a little village. We create our own streets and squares to transport visitors to a new world where guests can interact with makers, designers and chefs selling everything from ornaments to pottery!“

Revelers can visit the Urbanspace Lincoln Road Holiday Market from November 15th to February 15th, Monday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. to experience what is intended to become a beloved annual holiday tradition for Miami. 

Mirroring a similar layout to the New York City locations, the market will feature approximately 100 local and out-of-state vendors in the heart of the Lincoln Road District, at the intersection of Washington Avenue. It will showcase a broad range of gift categories such as decorative home goods, children's toys and apparel, stationery, books and prints, men's and women's apparel and accessories, jewelry, kitchen and garden items, artisan food products, as well as food and beverages to be enjoyed onsite. 

Over the past four decades Urbanspace has operated well-known holiday markets in the U.S. in iconic New York City destinations: Union Square, Columbus Circle, and Bryant Park. The Lincoln Road Holiday Market will illuminate the area with enchanting, glowing kiosk structures dotting the mile-long pedestrian-only promenade, reflecting the sparkle and spirit of the season. Seasonal programming will also take place including live musical performances, art installations and Insta-worthy spots to snap pictures with loved ones.

Slab Poured At Kings Logistics Center 664,176 SF Class A Industrial Project Servicing Lakeland To Miami

USAA Real Estate and Seefried Industrial Properties have completed site work and started to pour the slab and walls at Kings Logistics Center, one of the largest speculative industrial developments with available space in the South Florida market. The 664,176-square-foot Class A industrial park is located just off Interstate 95 at Orange Avenue/SR-68 in Fort Pierce, Florida.

Kings Logistics Center will be one of only a few industrial distribution centers located along I-95 between Daytona and Jacksonville. The property is expected to be completed in February 2023.

Colliers’ Lee Morris from Orlando and the Falk-Weprin Team from West Palm Beach will handle leasing on the project. The space features a 40-foot clear height, 248 trailer spots, 676 parking spots, excellent circulation with truck queuing lanes and a flexible site plan that can serve a single user or be divided for multiple tenants.

“Large industrial users looking to serve South Florida with freight coming from the ports of Jacksonville, Savannah, Charleston or down I-95 from the Northeast previously had few options. Kings Logistics Center offers a strong workforce, lower overall occupancy costs than comparable facilities in the tri-county market, and easy access to South Florida, making it a great fit for companies looking for a large-scale e-commerce, distribution or manufacturing facility. Also, because of limited options in southwest Florida, it is an option for firms impacted or expanding as a result of the recent impacts from Hurricane Ian. ” Said Lee Morris, SIOR, Executive Managing Director, Colliers.

The property is equidistant from Lakeland and Miami and offers easy access to South Florida via I-95 and the Florida Turnpike. Over 20 million customers – or 93% of Florida’s population - are accessible within a four-hour drive of Kings Logistics Center.

“This area of the South Florida industrial market has seen tremendous growth recently, adding key logistics facilities for two Amazon facilities, as well as FedEx and Chaney Brothers, which have joined existing operations for Walmart, CVS, Pepsi, Cold Air Distributors and Tropicana,” Morris said.

“The reasonable cost of land in Fort Pierce compared to Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties, along with the availability of affordable housing and an abundant labor force, make the area a target for logistic expansions in South Florida.” Said Michael Falk, SIOR Executive Managing Director, Colliers Falk-Weprin Team, West Palm Beach, FL

USAA Real Estate and Seefried Industrial Properties are also installing the roof and slated to complete a 984,960-square-foot Building #100 of I-4 Logistics Park in Deltona/Orlando with an expected completion date of January 2023 for phase one. Construction of the remaining buildings in the park, including a 500,000-square-foot building and several rear-load buildings, will soon follow.

Alchemy-ABR Investment Partners Close On Wynwood Development Site For $18 Million

Alchemy-ABR Investment Partners, a fully integrated New York based real estate development and investment firm, have closed on a development site at 18 NW 23rd Street in Wynwood for $18 million. The property spans 36,079 SF and the acquisition represents Alchemy's first residential project in Florida. Israel Discount Bank provided financing for Alchemy-ABR Investment Partners to purchase the vacant lot from The Salvation Army, which is located across the street from The Salvation Army Family Store and Donation Center’s Wynwood location.

The mixed-use site will be developed into a 12-story luxury residential building with 186 units, multiple retail spaces, and a parking garage. Local architects Arquitectonica and MKDA have been commissioned to design the building with construction commencing in 2024.

“We are thrilled to announce that 18 NW 23rd Street will be our first residential development in Miami, Florida. Alchemy-ABR has a strong presence in the commercial real estate market in South Florida and we are looking forward to bringing our years of real estate expertise to the residential market, which is currently facing great demand. We are looking to design and build a best-in-class mixed use project that will add to the fabric of one of the most dynamic walkable neighborhoods in the Southeast,” said Joel Breitkopf, Co-Founder & Partner of Alchemy-ABR Investment Partners and Brian Ray, Co-Founder & Managing Partner of Alchemy-ABR Investment Partners in a joint statement.

Renowned French Artist Richard Orlinski's Iconic Sculptures Take Over Lincoln Road In Time For Miami Art Week

Miami Beach’s Lincoln Road District, one of the country’s most beloved destinations for al fresco shopping, dining, and entertainment, has supercharged its arts and culture experience by showcasing 12 giant, electrifying sculptures by renowned French artist Richard Orlinski. The open-air activation coming to Lincoln Road this winter will feature iconic pieces from Orlinski’s recent Avenue des Champs Elysée exhibition in Paris. Timed with the premier art show of the Americas, Art Basel Miami Beach, the exhibit will run from November 2022 to March 2023.

Driven by the desire to make art accessible to the masses, Orlinski exhibits his work, often of spectacular dimensions, in the great outdoors. As he redefined contemporary art codes, elements in nature became his signature and forte. Known for his iconic bright red resin crocodile, Orlinski’s work is inspired by pop culture artists such as Jeff Koons and Robert Indiana, and uses industrial materials to develop large geometric sculptures that symbolize freedom, power, and passion.

“Dedicated to bringing one-of-a-kind artistic experiences to the Lincoln Road District, we are thrilled to bring Orlinski’s esteemed outdoor exhibit of colorful, eye-popping sculptures from Paris to Lincoln Road,” said Mindy Mcllroy, Vice President of the Lincoln Road Business Improvement District (BID), and President of Terranova Corporation. “We are continuously investing in public art installations and cultural programming to ensure Lincoln Road remains a place where locals and visitors can enjoy enriching cultural experiences.”

From the majestic pink lion that will be showcased across the Apple Store to the red crocodile near the Nike Store and the standing white bear on Washington Avenue, the community will encounter bright, life-size animal statues while strolling the pedestrian promenade. Wild Kong, a signature piece from the Champs Elysée exhibition, will be located on Michigan Ave across from Finnegan’s Road. The sculptures are crossing the seas and coming from France. During the exhibit, the artist will also open a pop-up store at 801 Lincoln Road.

As the cultural and civic hub for the community, the Lincoln Road District has also partnered with AEA Consulting, a global firm setting the standard in strategy and planning for the cultural and creative industries, to further activate the district with collaborations that advance and promote arts and culture. With activations from Abu Dhabi to New York and London, AEA has engaged with the American Symphony Orchestra, Perez Art Museum, and Brooklyn Bridge Park, among others, delivering more than 1,200 assignments in 42 countries.

“Partnering with AEA Consulting to realize vital arts and culture projects will help further enhance our offerings in the Lincoln Road District, providing residents and visitors with year-round programming that bolsters their quality of life,” said Lyle Stern, President of the Lincoln Road BID and President of Koniver Stern Group. “From activating Lincoln Road with spectacular sculptures by famed artist Orlinksi to ushering in the South Beach Jazz Festival and a series of memorable musical performances by Nu Deco Ensemble, we are expanding the district’s cultural programming that will keep residents and visitors returning to Lincoln Road.”

The Lincoln Road District is one of Miami’s premier retail, lifestyle and cultural destination that is home to more than 250 restaurants and shops, entertainment, arts and cultural offerings. Lincoln Road ranks as the most-visited open-air destination in South Florida with over 8 million visits in 2021, according to Placer.ai data and featured in AFAR as one of the 10 best pedestrian streets around the world.

Images via Lincoln Road

Scott Sherman Launches Real Estate Investment Firm Torose Equities

Seasoned real estate veteran Scott Sherman has launched Torose Equities, a Miami-based real estate investment firm with a value-add urban retail, office and mixed-use strategy targeting the Southeastern United States.

Torose will be Sherman’s newest venture after successfully launching Miami-based Tricera Capital in 2017 and growing the company to become a household name and key player in major Florida markets. In just five years, Sherman spearheaded the acquisition of 30+ commercial assets totaling $700 million and more than 2.5 million square feet.

Sherman brings with him the former investment arm of Tricera Capital to lead Torose. Ari Sasson serves as Torose’s Chief Financial Officer and Aaron Kay as Director of Acquisitions.

“We are excited to continue to build on the chemistry and momentum we established as a team over the past five years,” said Torose Founder & Principal Scott Sherman. “Our investment strategy at Torose will be familiar to our investment partners. Now more than ever before, Torose’s contrarian approach to real estate investment and development will benefit from the current economic environment.”

Similar to Sherman launching Tricera Capital during the height of the “retail apocalypse,” Torose’s founding team saw the perfect window of opportunity to start another investment firm focused on value-add opportunities amid rising interest rates and growing uncertainty in the real estate market. The team has wasted no time, with properties already under contract that are expected to close by the end of the year.

Some of the team’s most high-profile acquisitions in the past five years include the former Palm Beach Post site in West Palm Beach; Cube Wynwood office building; Offices at Atria in Downtown Sarasota; and a portfolio of properties in Downtown St. Petersburg. The team is also partnered on several notable mixed-use developments including The Dorsey in Wynwood in a JV with Related and Alex Karakhanian; and The Boulevard in a JV with 13th Floor Investments.

The Torose team will continue to target assets ranging from $10 million to over $100 million in core markets in the Southeastern U.S., including Miami, West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota, Nashville, Raleigh-Durham, and Atlanta.

Prior to launching Torose Equities, Sherman served as Managing Partner of Tricera Capital, and was Vice President of Acquisitions at Thor Equities, where he completed in excess of $2 Billion of closed deals. Before joining Thor, Scott was the Director of acquisitions at Becker Brothers.

Waterford Corporate Centre Trades For $16.9 Million, To Become New Worldwide HQ For Benitez & Company CPA

The Waterford Corporate Centre, a multi-tenant office property which was renovated in 2019, ha sold for $16.9 million. The property is located at 5835 Blue Lagoon Drive, Miami, FL 33126 and spans 61,194 SF. The Waterford Corporate Centre was 97% leased at the time of sale and the tenant list includes The United States Department of Commerce, The State of Florida Department of Education, Volvo Group North America and World Trade Center Miami. The building will be the new worldwide headquarters for Benitez & Company CPA.

The buyer is Juan & Maria Benitez of the Benitez & Company CPA who was represented by Manny Chamizo III with ONE Sotheby's International Realty, while the seller was Blue Lagoon Investment, LLC who was represented by Cary Cohen with Blanca Commercial Real Estate.

The Waterford Corporate Centre was recently renovated in 2019 and features an impressive and elegant double-height lobby, tenant conferencing facility, and a rooftop helicopter landing pad.

"Despite changing market conditions, office buildings are continuing to transact in core markets," said Chamizo. "Miami’s momentum remains solid and South Florida based companies are reaping in the benefits - with many searching to expand their teams and offices. We are happy to have found the Class A space our client was looking for, the helipad was an attractive bonus.”

This property conveniently situated within the corporate-campus style Waterford Business District, fronting beautiful views of Miami International Airport and immediate access to the Dolphin Expressway. The prime location also connects the campus to several major Miami neighborhoods, including Doral, Coral Gables, Brickell, Downtown Miami and Wynwood.

Images attached. Credit for the building pictures goes to Cary Cohen.

Bilzin Sumberg Renews 85K SF Office Lease At 1450 Brickell In Miami's Financial District

Nearly 25 years since launching in the heart of Downtown Miami, preeminent law Firm Bilzin Sumberg is doubling down on its Florida growth strategy with a major office lease that will preserve the firm’s position as one of the major tenants at the 1450 Brickell office tower. The Firm has renewed its lease for nearly 84,000 square feet of space at the Class A building, representing one of the largest law firm footprints in Miami’s urban core. Bilzin Sumberg’s renewal of its lease coincides with an influx of residents, companies, and investment into South Florida, with the Firm pursuing a strategy of steady growth that has solidified its role as a catalyst for business and wealth migration.

Bilzin Sumberg became the first office tenant to sign a lease at 1450 Brickell when the tower was nearing completion in 2009. The development of 1450 Brickell led the transformation of the entrance to Brickell Avenue, elevating the area into a walkable hub for business, dining, hotels, and residential living. Since then, the 625,000 square-foot Class A tower has attracted best-in-class tenants including multinational companies, finance firms, and professional services firms. The unique building features include a curtainwall glass system comprised entirely of large missile impact glass and two major generators that provide tenants with over 4,000 kw of power during electrical outages, making 1450 Brickell the country’s most storm-hardened office tower.

“For more than two decades, Bilzin Sumberg has presided over the evolution of Downtown Miami and the Brickell Financial District, from a 9-to-5 business center, into a vibrant 24-7 city,” explains Managing Partner Al Dotson. “Our office at 1450 Brickell has put our attorneys at the center of one of the most dynamic business, residential and lifestyle districts in the United States. Along the way, Bilzin Sumberg has been a key figure in transformative projects that have taken shape in our backyard, while also serving a national and international clientele from our homebase at 1450 Brickell.”

Bilzin Sumberg was represented by the JLL brokerage team led by Barbara Liberatore Black, Matthew Goodman and Jeff Gordon. “After spending over a year reviewing all options in Miami’s office market, Bilzin Sumberg decided to renew its lease and remain as one of the major tenants at 1450 Brickell for all of the same reasons they initially chose the building over 10 years ago,” said JLL’s Barbara Liberatore Black. “With the business growth Miami’s Brickell Financial District continues to experience and the 1450 Brickell office tower’s strategic location at the entrance to Brickell, it made all the sense for the law firm to maintain a presence in the center of the city’s premier live-work-play district.”

Tere Blanca and Danet Linares of Blanca Commercial Real Estate represented building owner 1450 Brickell, LLC.

“From the time of its development through today, 1450 Brickell has attracted prestigious domestic and international tenants,” added Tere Blanca, whose firm has exclusively leased 1450 Brickell since its conception. “While there were two other office towers under construction at the time it was being built, 1450 Brickell’s location and unique features helped drive strong pre-leasing with top quality tenants. Bilzin Sumberg, with deep roots in South Florida and an international clientele, first saw the value of locating in 1450 Brickell, a LEED Gold certified trophy tower designed to stand the test of time. The Firm’s tenancy set the wheels in motion for what would become one of the most successful pre-leasing campaigns in Miami history.”

Bilzin Sumberg counsels clients whose business and legal opportunities and challenges span the United States and cross borders to Europe, Latin America, Canada, the Middle East, and Asia. The firm's growth has paralleled that of its Miami home base, a region known for its rich cultural, social, and professional diversity. Bilzin Sumberg lawyers concentrate on services at the heart of both regional and international commerce, including real estate, land development and government relations, environmental, corporate law, joint ventures, domestic and international tax and estate planning, business litigation, finance, and public-private partnerships.

INK Entertainment Group To Open Trendy Italian Hotspot 'Sofia' In Miami Design District

INK Entertainment, the restaurant group behind Byblos and Amal, are set to open Sofia in Miami Design District this Fall 2022. The highly-adored Toronto transplant will unveil in Miami as part of the hospitality group’s rapid expansion plans throughout the U.S., officially opening its doors in the very heart of the city’s central arts, culture, and shopping district this Fall. Sofia will offer new depths of culinary excellence as Miami’s newest hotspot with tantalizing flavors and bespoke nightly celebrations.

Helmed by visionary entrepreneurs Charles Khabouth, Danny Soberano, and Ricardo Tabet, INK Entertainment Group holds rank as one of the most avant-garde hospitality groups, controlling a collection of award-winning culinary concepts across Canada and South Florida. Joining their existing and widely lauded South Florida restaurant ventures - Byblos Miami, meet Dalia, and Amal - Sofia will extend the ultimate upscale, modern Italian dining and entertainment experience. Complemented by her chic yet playful signature backdrop and enlivened ambiance, Sofia Design District will offer more than a nightly dinner spot, but rather a destination to celebrate, savor, and explore within.

“We couldn't be more excited to expand our footprint in South Florida, bringing Sofia to what we feel is one of the most significant areas and desirable culinary destinations in Miami,” says Charles Khabouth, Founder and CEO of INK Entertainment Group. “Full of energy and mischievous curiosity, Sofia Design District will be the perfect complement to the Miami Design District neighborhood as Palm Court’s newest signature restaurant.”

Sofia Design District will offer a fresh perspective and honest, refined approach to both new and nostalgic Italian dishes. With a commitment to sourcing only the finest quality ingredients that pay homage to authentic Italian flavors, Sofia’s seasonal offerings will highlight the quintessential flavors of Italian fine dining. The menu leads with a selection of antipasti including, Prosciutto, Carpaccio, Grilled Octopus, Citrus Salads, Ricotta Stuffed Zucchini, and a robust collection of Crudo. Fresh, handmade pasta dishes headline the menu’s main section, with dishes like Cacio e Pepe al Tartufo, Rigatoni Alla Vodka, and Ravioli di Ricotta e Noci. ‘Pesce’ mains feature Branzino, Aragosta (butter-poached lobster), and Gamberetti (wild king prawn), while ‘Carne’ mains highlight Bistecca Alla Fiorentina, Wagyu Filets, Breaded Veal, Ribeye, Prime Striploin, among others.

Sofia’s cocktail program is a refreshing medley of signature drinks with an Italian twist. Expertly crafted cocktails are enhanced by regionally sourced herbs and flavor-focused ingredients, with a notable emphasis on execution and elegant presentation. With names like Nights of Cibiria, Sorrentino, and Amarcord, the cocktails are tributes to Italy’s vast geography and pop culture history. Aside from the delectable cocktail menu, Sofia’s vast wine selection features many vintages and an ample selection of true Italian wines rare to the local dining scene.

Surrounded by a myriad of visionary concepts and iconic luxury brands, Sofia will exist as a lively central hub, within the Miami Design District, for guests to indulge in dinner and drinks followed by late-night revelry and bespoke outings. Featuring nightly DJ’s and curated live entertainment and musical performances, guests can look forward to a premier celebratory experience beyond traditional dining while exploring Sofia’s enchanting indoor spaces and livened courtyard’s secret garden retreat.

Imagined by award-winning design collective Studio Munge, Sofia Design District is an exciting fashion-forward addition to chic Palm Court, born out of a love affair between Contemporary Art and Italian cuisine. Inspired by the bold aesthetics of Sofia Toronto, Sofia Miami seduces worldly travelers and locals alike with its flamingo pink and amethyst palette, couture design, Italian glam, and exquisite taste. Thoughtfully curated accents and design details are delicately layered throughout, from the curation of pink lacquered pieces, teak furnishings, and frilly rose umbrellas in Sofia’s charming outdoor terrace, to the lustrous crimson fabrics, mirrored columns, and custom Italian-imported Barovier & Toso glass chandeliers in the main dining area. At first entry, Miami’s sartorial elite and international jet setters will instantly connect with the venue envisioned as an art dealer’s entertainment den curated with pieces by Marco Grassi and Mr. Brainwash. An inspired David Drebin mural encases the bar, fueling the Italian fantasy of vacationing in the Tuscan hills above Florence, while rich marbles in gradient shades of purple, pink, and jade form an expressive herringbone flooring.

While most tables will host groups of four and more, three intimate niches offer a recessed point-of-view for smaller parties. In their center, framed by sleek pink leather upholstered curved walls, portraits of Grace Kelly, Sophia Loren, and Audrey Hepburn by Russell Young elevate the room with their iconic glamour and charisma. Sofia also contains a semi-private dining room, with hosting capabilities for up to 14 people. A custom Bubbly chandelier by Rosie Li playfully dances above the table; while on its side, a half-moon glass cellar invites celebratory libation.

Sofia is located at 140 NE 39th street St #133, Miami, FL 33137. Hours of operation will be Monday – Sunday for dinner service starting at 5pm, with brunch and lunch to launch in the coming weeks. Guests can look forward to a diverse selection of live entertainment, music, and unique activations throughout the week. Nightly programming and special larger-scale weekly events will roll out in the coming months.