Lettuce Entertain You in Florida? Multiconcept operator announces expansion plans

Chicago-based multiconcept operator Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises, or LEYE, is expanding its reach with the announcement of its first concept in Florida set for summer 2022.

Aba, the Mediterranean concept from “Top Chef” alum C.J. Jacobson and LEYE executive partner Marc Jacobs, will open at the Bal Harbour Shops in 2022. The village of Bal Harbour is located on the northern tip of Miami Beach and the shopping center itself is currently undergoing a $550 million “enhancement” plan with new retail and dining, which will include the addition of Aba, according to the company.

“As we celebrate our 50th year in business, we are thrilled to be opening our first restaurant in Florida, especially in a place like Bal Harbour Shops — an iconic destination and community in South Florida,” said R.J. Melman, LEYE president, in a statement.

With two locations already operating — one in Chicago and a second in Austin, Texas — Aba’s California-inspired Mediterranean menu will pull from the cuisines of four countries, including Israel, Lebanon, Turkey and Greece. The menu is likely to include dishes like: sugar snap and English peas with whipped tahini; hamachi with charred avocado; whipped feta spread and grilled cauliflower kebabs. Other signature dishes include Muhammara; the Everything Jerusalem Bagel with smoked salmon spread; and crispy short rib hummus with house-made bread.

“We are excited to bring C.J.’s lighter style of cooking and build on the energy of the growing food and drink community in Miami,” said Jacobs.

Lead mixologist Liz Pearce crafted a bar program that is an “extension of the cuisine, incorporating ingredients and flavors from the Mediterranean and Southern California,” and the wine list includes Mediterranean-favoring winemakers that use sustainable, organic and/or biodynamic growing practices.

LEYE, which operates about 130 restaurants, is the latest Northern operator to flock to South Florida. Earlier this year, Major Food Group opened a location of Carbone; New York City hotspot Cote opened a second location; Marcus Samuelsson added a new Red Rooster location; and Keith McNally and Stephen Starr announced plans to open a Pastis unit — all in Miami. New York iconic restaurants La Goulue, Sant Ambroeus, Almond and Roberta’s Pizza have all signed leases in the city as well.

Bal Harbour sits just 45 minutes north of Miami.

Hear more from Melman on this week’s episode of Nation’s Restaurant News’ weekly podcast, Extra Serving. Debuting June 5.