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.

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.

Robert Rivani's Black Lion Acquires Restaurant Space at Zaha Hadid's One Thousand Museum For $6.4 Million

Black Lion, led by real estate investor Robert Rivani who specializes in ownership of flagship restaurant properties, has acquired the ground floor restaurant space at the iconic One Thousand Museum by Zaha Hadid for $6.4 million. Rivani’s off-market purchase marks Black Lion’s first deal in the Downtown area, adding to a portfolio of trophy retail properties spanning from Wynwood and Brickell down to Miami Beach.

Spanning 6,500-square-feet of interior space, this is the only restaurant space in the celeb favorite residential high-rise, home to high profile owners including David and Victoria Beckham, David Grutman, Marc Anthony, billionaire Anthony Hsieh and actress Sela Ann Ward to name a few.

“One Thousand Museum is one of the most iconic and architecturally significant buildings in all of Miami. I knew we had to have a piece of it,” said Robert Rivani, President of Black Lion. “Our objective at Black Lion is to curate transformative lifestyle experiences and we plan to do just that with this property–bringing in a world class restaurant or hospitality group to operate out of the space will be a key investment for our Miami expansion.”

Founded in 2014, commercial real estate investment company Black Lion has transacted more than $500 million in deals across the United States. Helmed by President Robert Rivani, the company has transformed properties across the country into thriving retail, entertainment and hospitality destinations, with a portfolio including restaurants, nightlife venues and retail power centers. Black Lion presently focuses on hospitality ventures, as South Florida’s social scene continues to expand. The company’s recently announced projects include high profile restaurant spaces at both the Marea and the Continuum high-rises in Miami Beach, Amara at Pariso, an iconic waterfront restaurant in Miami's Edgewater neighborhood led by a James Beard Award-winning chef, and an immersive jungle experience in Wynwood, Miami’s famed creative hub, to name a few.

FARM-TO-TABLE RESTAURANT & MARKET NARBONA OPENS AT COCOWALK

CocoWalk has announced the highly anticipated opening of Narbona Restaurant & Farm Market, a family-owned, epicurean specialty market and restaurant originating in Uruguay in 1909. The concept combines organic ingredients from its farms for a unique farm-to-table culinary experience and retail section where customers can purchase their farm-raised products to enjoy at home. 

Situated on the ground-floor of CocoWalk, the 8,253-square-foot specialty market and eatery features a butcher shop, bakery and curated retail market with a wide selection of gourmet cheeses, craft beers, wines, and coffees – all produced in its farms in South America. Specializing in homemade and artisanal products, Narbona produces its own dulce de leche, gelatos, and yogurts. Facing the plaza, the 200-seat café has an expansive indoor and outdoor dining area, where guests can enjoy breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner and sip on handcrafted cocktails. Patrons seeking a more intimate setting can host group dinners and events in Narbona’s private room.  A haven for enophiles and cheese lovers, the epicurean market also hosts a variety of tastings, in which guests can indulge and sample different wines, coffees and specialty cheeses.

“Although our dream began in Uruguay, we are thrilled to open in the heart of Coconut Grove because it’s an established neighborhood that places great emphasis on a healthy and organic lifestyle, which perfectly aligns with the freshly grown produce and high-quality, specialty foods we serve,” said Jerónimo Canton, owner of Narbona. “Our main goal is to share our family’s way of life, which is to find the perfect pairing for each moment, offering sensory experiences that last a lifetime. We believe our arrival to CocoWalk comes at an ideal time as the destination continues to attract locals and visitors back to the center Grove.”

The ambiance will center around treating patrons like neighbors and providing them with superior customer service as they select and taste the market’s high-quality products and enjoy freshly prepared foods from its dining menu. Encompassing the essence of true farm-to-table dining, the brand’s wines, cheeses, yogurts, olive oil and pastas are made from locally sourced, fresh ingredients from Narbona’s Winery and Farm in Uruguay, fusing technology, experience and tradition.

Narbona’s robust restaurant menu features starters such as Galician style octopus, traditional homemade empanadas and hamachi tiradito. The menu also offers brick oven baked Uruguayan pizzas, and freshly prepared pastas like spinach and potato gnocchi in a gorgonzola sauce with crispy prosciutto, baby arugula and salted walnuts and shrimp and crab ravioli with heirloom cherry tomatoes and basil in a creamy, spicy pink sauce. Signature dishes include organic half chicken with house salad and French fries, Entrañita comprised of a 12oz prime skirt steak with sweet baked potato and chimichurri sauce, the Cowboy 22oz steak with roasted potatoes, and Branzino served with grilled vegetables and gremolada dip. Customers are encouraged to save room for Narbona’s freshly made desserts including gelatos, crepes filled with its signature artisanal dulce de leche, and its famed baked meringue-based Pavlova Narbona.

The opening of Narbona at CocoWalk marks the concept’s second location in South Florida. Following the success of its first location in Key Biscayne, the restaurant continues to expand throughout South Florida with outposts set to open in Wynwood and Boca Raton.

Narbona Coconut Grove joins a line-up of retailers and restaurants at CocoWalk including popular brands: Bluemercury, FP Movement, Edward Beiner, Europann, Edite Mode, The Spot Barbershop and School of Rock. Cinepolis Luxury Cinemas renovated and re-opened a 14-theater venue on property. In addition, the latest skin care and beauty brands now open are: GlossLab, a membership based nail studio from New York that just opened its first Florida location; 3D Brow Studio, a beauty bar specializing in perfect facial framing eyebrows; and skin Lab by Barba Skin Clinic providing one-of-a-kind skin and beauty treatments. CocoWalk is home to a selection of eateries including: The Key Club, Botánico Gin & Cookhouse, Duck N’ Sum, Sushi Garage, PLANTA Queen, and Mister o1 Extraordinary Pizza all serving up delicious cuisines and cocktails.

Electra America and BH Group Reveal Plans for $1 Billion Redevelopment of 80-Acre Southland Mall Site In Cutler Bay

Electra America, a real estate private equity firm focused on value-add and opportunistic investment in the Sun Belt region of the U.S., along with its U.S.-affiliate, American Landmark, and BH Group, a Miami-based private real estate investment and development firm, have revealed preliminary plans for the redevelopment and reinvention of the Southland Mall in Cutler Bay, located approximately 20 miles south of downtown Miami. The 80-acre, $1 billion redevelopment will be one of the largest projects of its kind in the Southeast and will be called “Southplace City Center.” The reinvention of the Southland Mall into “Southplace City Center,” a vibrant, mixed-use transit-oriented community with live-work-play options, promises much-needed relief for a city suffering from a major housing shortage

The new ownership team envisions a “city within a city” for living, working, shopping, and playing that will feature more than 4,000 residential units, over 500,000 square feet of curated retail, and exciting dining and entertaining venues at the existing mall, with an additional 150,000 square feet of prime retail space and outparcels for food and beverage operators. The phased redevelopment project will be a charming, self-contained community with abundant green space, bike and golf cart trails, walking trails, a trolley system, and easy access to public transit – specifically, the soon-to-open Miami-Dade SMART Plan mass transit route adjacent to the property.

The total project, to be completed over a seven-year time frame, is expected to create approximately 2,700 new jobs and generate $44 million in property taxes ad valorem revenue in the first five years ($6.1 million to Cutler Bay), and up to $491 million ($75.2 million to Cutler Bay) over a 20-year period. The developer’s plan is in accordance with the Town’s code and will not be seeking any special approvals.

“We’re delighted to work with the Town of Cutler Bay and its residents to breathe new life into a property that has been underutilized for decades, and in so doing, create thousands of new jobs, as well as help alleviate the housing crunch facing many Miami-Dade residents today,” said Ron Gaither, Chief Development Officer of Electra America. “Southplace City Center will provide a wide range of market-rate housing options, and its location close to major thoroughfares and mass transit, yet away from residential communities, minimizes traffic and facilitates the use of public transportation – two key priorities for this community. We’re looking forward to continuing working with the community to ensure this project reflects the values and character of Cutler Bay.”

“The future of this site is one that our residents deeply care about,” expressed Town of Cutler Bay Mayor Tim Meerbott. “Ensuring that this project aligns with our community’s vision and has a proper mix of use is extremely important to the Town Council and me. The site is ready for change and this project will check so many boxes on our community’s wish list—thousands of jobs, more restaurants, entertainment, and a fresh look, to name a few. We look forward to working with Electra America and BH Group to bring this important project to life, while keeping it consistent with the character of our beautiful Cutler Bay.”

The development team acquired the mall and adjacent parcels totaling 80 acres in May of this year. The site is conveniently bordered by the Florida Turnpike on the east and U.S. 1 on the west, placing it on major commercial crossroads in suburban Miami-Dade County, directly along the new South Corridor Rapid Transit Project, expected to open in late 2024. The corridor will provide a 20-mile mobility connection between Miami’s central business district and the County’s southern-most communities.

Specifically, the developer’s master plan calls for updating the existing 808,766-square-foot mall with cosmetic improvements and the addition of several new high-quality retailers; the phased development of 4,395 new market-rate apartments catering to a full spectrum of household budgets; the addition of several new retail and restaurant concepts, situated around a series of man-made lakes and open spaces; a new specialty grocer, a 150-key hotel, and 60,000 square feet of medical office space; and a terraced community amphitheater/bandshell. The plan also calls for a new vehicular entrance directly off U.S. 1, featuring a welcoming entrance square with a large fountain and extensive green space, along with a pedestrian bridge connecting the community to the new bus rapid transit stop. The entire community will feature bike and golf cart paths, pedestrian walking trails, and trolley stops to minimize the use of cars.

Ground-breaking on the first residential building is expected in mid-2023 and would deliver in approximately 18 months (early 2025), with rents starting at $2,500.

The project design team for Southplace City Center includes economic advisors Florida Economic Advisors, retail consultants CPH, master planner/designer MSA Architects Inc., landscape planner Insite Studio and civil/traffic engineer Kimley Horn.

Renderings via MSA Architects

Terranova Reveals Arquitectonica-Designed Carbon-Neutral Mixed-Use Building On Miracle Mile In Coral Gables

Terranova Corporation, led by Stephen Bittel, has revealed plans for 93 Miracle Mile, the first carbon-neutral building in Florida on Miracle Mile in Coral Gables. The Arquitectonica-designed mixed-use commercial building will use electricity-generating photovoltaic glass and will be the first built under the new Miracle Mile Overlay zoning code. Plans were recently submitted to the City of Coral Gables for approval. 93 Miracle Mile will rise four-stories and will feature 6,700 SF of ground floor restaurant space, 9,700 SF of retail space on the 2nd and 3rd floors, and 7,300 SF of office space on the 4th floor. The building will also feature a rooftop terrace.

Terranova is the largest property owner on Miracle Mile with a portfolio spanning 15 properties and 120,000 SF. They acquired the .2-acre site with a vacant 9,000 SF retail building which was previously Navarro Discount Pharmacy for $6.8 million in December 2021.

Ronny Finvarb and Joseph Chetrit Acquire Macy's Property Near Miami Beach's Lincoln Road For $15.5 Million

Bay Harbor Islands-based Finvarb Group, led by developer and hotelier Ronny Finvarb, in partnership with Joseph Chetrit, have acquired the Macy’s property off of Lincoln Road in Miami Beach for $15.5 million, $152 PSF. The iconic building, which is located at 1675 Meridian Ave., was developed in 1953 and is one of the oldest retail buildings in Miami Beach. The building spans 102,009 SF on a 1.15 acre lot. The seller was the San Antonio-based Terry Emanuel and the deal included $9.3 million in seller financing.

Ronny Finvarb is currently developing the nearby Thompson Hotel South Beach and other projects in different stages. Finvarb Group owns 15 hotels, restaurants and other properties in Florida, Texas and Arizona, including the Kimpton Palomar South Beach and Osteria Morini, the Residence Inn by Marriott South Beach, the Courtyard by Marriott South Beach, and the Courtyard by Marriott Jupiter Palm Beach, which they developed. In Miami, Finvarb Group also owns the Landon Bay Harbor boutique hotel, including The Palm restaurant, which they acquired for $10 million in November 2021. The Finvarb Group also recently acquired mixed-use properties in Deerfield Beach, including JB’s on the Beach oceanfront restaurant property.

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 

Nationally Acclaimed Sports & Social Dining & Entertainment Concept Coming To Miami Worldcenter

Live! Hospitality & Entertainment has signed an agreement with Miami Worldcenter to bring its nationally acclaimed concept, Sports & Social, to the $4 billion, 27-acre mixed-use development transforming the heart of Downtown Miami. The 20,000-square-foot venue will include an open-air rooftop restaurant overlooking the project’s World Square public park and plaza.

Sports & Social will join Miami Worldcenter’s enticing lineup of recently announced tenants including two food and beverage concepts opening soon by Michelin-star Chef Michael Beltran, Brasserie Laurel and El Vecino; Chicago’s Maple & Ash and etta restaurants; as well as other nationally recognized brands including Sephora, Bowlero, and Lucid Motors. These seven concepts, along with the development’s newest tenant, total approximately 110,000 square feet of leased retail space in Downtown Miami’s ‘city-within-a-city.’

“The addition of Sports & Social to our tenant mix proves that there will be something for everyone at Miami Worldcenter,” said Nitin Motwani, Managing Partner of Miami Worldcenter Associates. “Every restaurant and store that will open at Miami Worldcenter is carefully selected to ensure the ultimate live-work-play experience that appeals to Downtown Miami’s growing residential and commercial population.”

Sports & Social is a premier dining, entertainment, sports viewing, and social concept by Live! Hospitality & Entertainment, one of the largest developers and operators of restaurants and entertainment concepts in the United States. The company’s focus is on delivering signature venues in high-profile entertainment and lifestyle districts, world-class casino resort destinations, and adjacent to professional sports stadiums around the country. Sports & Social has nine locations nationwide including The Battery adjacent to Truist Park in Atlanta; Ballpark Village adjacent to Busch Stadium in St. Louis; Texas Live! in the Arlington Entertainment District; and Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia in the South Philadelphia Sports Complex. Additionally, Sports & Social will open another South Florida location at Dolphin Mall in winter 2022.

Located just steps away from Miami’s FTX Arena, Sports & Social’s Miami Worldcenter location will occupy approximately 20,000 square feet within the development’s glass-encased ‘Jewel Box’ retail building and will include an open-air third level and a rooftop restaurant overlooking the World Square public park and plaza. The venue will bring upscale food and beverage offerings including made-from-scratch gameday favorites, craft cocktails and specialty drinks, including its signature Crush selection, and a variety of beer from national brews and local favorites. Sports & Social will host a variety of special food-focused events including a can’t-miss brunch experience on Saturdays and Sundays featuring its famous #brunchtails table drinks and menu favorites like avocado toast, savory breakfast skillets, and its signature Chicken & Bliss.

Sports & Social Miami will feature a variety of live music and special events throughout the week, including one of the best sports watching experiences in the region with its premier game-day Sports Watch activations. Outfitted with state-of-the-art technology, the space will boast an impressive 53-foot LED display at its centerpiece that will show multiple games and sporting events at once. Guests can also enjoy a wide variety of social games such as skee-ball, foosball, pop-a-shot, arcade games, shuffleboard, and Beirut. Each location of Sports & Social is uniquely designed with careful attention to every detail by some of the highest profile firms in the world including ICRAVE, Jeffrey Beers International and Knauer Incorporated. Sports & Social at Miami Worldcenter is being designed by ICRAVE, an internationally acclaimed award-winning strategy, design, and development firm. Based in Miami and New York City, ICRAVE has been leading the design for Sports & Social’s growth nationally.

“Miami Worldcenter Associates and CIM Group are one of the premier development teams in the country and we are excited to work with them to bring Sports & Social to downtown Miami at Miami Worldcenter,” said Reed Cordish, Principal of The Cordish Companies and CEO of Live! Hospitality & Entertainment. “As we continue to expand the concept nationwide, we take great pride in ensuring that each location of Sports & Social is specifically curated from our elevated food and beverage offerings and premier entertainment experiences to our best-in-class architecture and design.”

Retail leasing at Miami Worldcenter is led by CIM Group, partner in Miami Worldcenter, and Miami-based The Comras Company. CIM Group is a community-focused real estate and infrastructure owner, operator, lender, and developer. The Comras Company is a leading, boutique real estate firm providing retail leasing, asset sales, consulting, and development advisory services throughout South Florida.

“People are drawn to walkable areas that provide a welcoming environment with beautiful public spaces and a mix of experiences. At Miami Worldcenter we are delivering all of that, and the addition of Sports & Social brings a high-energy and captivating concept to the development that further evolves the premier array of retail, dining and entertainment options that our team has assembled,” said Shaul Kuba, Co-Founder and Principal, CIM Group.

Several phases of the project have already been completed, including three residential towers – PARAMOUNT Miami Worldcenter, Caoba, and Bezel Miami – and approximately 175,000 square feet of retail space. Coming up, a 351-room citizenM hotel is expected to open at Miami Worldcenter by the end of the year, along with another 125,000 square feet of retail space. Additionally, construction is underway at the 52-story Miami World Towers, which will comprise 550 apartment units; at Legacy Hotel & Residences, a 50-story mixed-use tower with 310 branded residences atop a hotel and 50,000 square feet of medical office space; and at the second phase of Caoba, which will encompass an adjacent 40-story tower with 420 apartments.

Planned developments include The Crosby, a 450-unit turn-key condominium by Related Group and Merrimac Ventures; a pair of “supertall” residential towers by New York-based Naftali Group; and a three-tower mixed-use project by The Witkoff Group, which will include up to 2,000 residential units as well as 550,000 square feet of office space and another 50,000 square feet of retail.

Complementing Miami Worldcenter’s open-air retail will be World Square, a 20,000-square-foot public plaza and park. Designed as a central gathering place and outdoor event space, World Square will serve as the heartbeat of the development featuring an abundance of shade trees, works of art by local and international artists, and oversized, pedestrian-friendly sidewalks lined with dining, entertainment, and retail concepts.

Miami Worldcenter’s development team also recently launched a $5 million public art initiative – curated by international art dealer Jeffrey Deitch and Miami-based curatorial collective PRIMARY – that will transform the streets and buildings of the 27-acre ‘city within a city’ into a permanent outdoor art museum. The program’s first piece to be completed is a massive colorful mural by Nina Chanel Abney, which graces the walls of a pedestrian tunnel under the development’s PARAMOUNT residential tower and the exterior façade of its multi-level parking garage. Additional artists confirmed to exhibit pieces at Miami Worldcenter include Woody De Othello, Viktor El-Saieh, Nick Cave, and Trenton Doyle Hancock.

BODEGA TAQUERIA Y TEQUILA TO OPEN 5TH SOUTH FLORIDA LOCATION

Bodega Taqueria y Tequila, South Florida's iconic taco joint by day and speakeasy concept by night, is gearing up for its highly anticipated Coconut Grove opening on Thursday, August 25th. Marking the brand’s fifth location to date, Bodega is set to open by introducing a robust lineup of daily and nightly programming curated for locals and visitors alike to enjoy, housed in a 3,276-square-foot space built in 1922.

The historic space has been reimagined to reflect the brand’s trademark design, pumped with neon signs and bright colors thoughtfully juxtaposed by traditional, old-world Mexican design elements. The Grove outpost will offer a three-part experience including a fast-casual taco shack; a speakeasy-style lounge; as well as a high-end mezcaleria designed for exclusive tasting experiences - each with its own high-energy curated programming. 

“We are excited to continue growing the Bodega footprint with the opening of our first South Miami location,” said Jared Galbut, Co-Founder and President of Bodega Taqueria y Tequila. “The beautiful and historic Coconut Grove neighborhood is undoubtedly experiencing a moment of tremendous resurgence, and we are thrilled to be among the restaurant groups and businesses contributing to its revival.”  

Guests enter at the ground level of the Taco Shack, where they are immediately taken in by the aromas of Mexican street food-inspired cuisine wafting from the quintessential airstream trailer-turned-taco-truck. True to the brand’s commitment to deliver fresh menu items in a warm and lively setting, the menu is stacked with classic and innovative dishes locals and visitors alike have come to expect from the revered brand. All the popular items like Nachos and Quesadillas; legendary Burritos and Tacos, like the Barbacoa made with guajillo braised short rib, cotija cheese, red onion, potato sticks, cilantro, and salsa rosada; health- and vegetarian-friendly Build Your Own Bowls; and, of course Frozen Margaritas, are available to order for dine-in, pickup and delivery. 

Bodega’s second floor design showcases an array of beautiful details for the eye to enjoy, including an ornate wood entrance door, distressed aromatic leathers, aged brass metal finishes, and velvet drapery in agave-green accents. Hand-painted tin ceiling tiles by muralist Juan Rosas add color to the already whimsical décor featuring an eclectic mix of “found” seating and artwork. Together, these thoughtful details are meant to evoke the primitive feel of haciendas and create an ambiance with an undeniable energy that harks one back, nostalgically, to a bygone era of Mexican opulence.

In addition to the brand’s iconic menu, guests can look forward to “Margarita Monday”, featuring $5 Frozen Margaritas, available all day on Mondays. On Tuesdays, patrons can indulge in Bodega Taqueria y Tequila’s “Taco Tuesday” special, showcasing three for $11 Classic Tacos available in-stores, as well as on the Bodega app until 5 p.m. Also taking place is the brand’s iconic “Live Music Wednesdays” presented by 818 Tequila showcasing local musical performances by rotating bands from 7 to 9 p.m. On Thursdays, patrons can come in for “Thursdays on Tap” and enjoy $1 select rotating Draft Beer until the keg is tapped. Lastly, taking place Saturdays and Sundays, guests can indulge in “Liquid Weekend Brunch”, featuring large format cocktails, beer buckets and Mexican-inspired mimosas starting at 12 p.m. Following brunch, watch all of your favorite College Football and NFL teams, with continuing beer specials and half off well drinks for ladies during the games.

The Coconut Grove opening is part of an expansion for both the Bodega brand and the Miami neighborhood, the latter of which is currently experiencing a renaissance that has brought in a slew of new businesses to the area. Bodega’s flagship location opened in South Beach in 2015, followed by Fort Lauderdale in 2020. In August 2021, the first taqueria-only Bodega opened in Aventura, followed by a West Palm Beach spot in February 2022.  In early 2023, a second South Miami location will open in Coral Gables, followed by the opening of Bodega Taqueria y Tequila in Chicago, the first of several out-of-state locations. Additional Florida expansion includes a taqueria-only location at the Natiivo Miami Hotel & Residences in downtown Miami, as well as a hybrid concept in Wynwood. 

Bodega Coconut Grove is located at 3419 Main Highway and hours of operation are Sunday through Wednesday from 11:30 a.m. to 1 a.m. and Thursday through Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 3 a.m.