Duffy's Expands With New Locations, Launches Test Kitchen in Lake Worth

In sophisticated South Florida, it's not enough for a sports bar to just offer two-for-one beers, large screen TVs, and hot wings. 

Last week Duffy’s Sports Grill, one of Florida’s biggest sports-themed restaurant chains, announced the launch of a new cutting-edge test kitchen in Lake Worth. Located close to Duffy's corporate headquarters, the state-of-the-art studio will serve many purposes ranging from research and development to hands-on culinary training for chefs and managers.

The new facility, dubbed Duffy’s Culinary Arts Studio, has been designed to ensure quality remains a focus as the company continues to expand across South Florida, says Jason Emmett, president of Duffy’s Sports Grill. 

"This is an exciting time for us," says Emmett. "This new facility is the next logical step as we continue our expansion throughout Florida. This dedicated space will allow our culinary team to focus on research and development as well as provide consistent and interactive training sessions directly from our corporate chef."

If a visit to Duffy’s Culinary Arts Studio looks familiar, there's a good reason: It's a full-scale replica of an actual Duffy’s restaurant. In addition to the dining room complete with huge flat-screen TVs and iconic sports memorabilia, the studio itself is outfitted with all the equipment you'd find in a typical Duffy's.

The exception is the open display kitchen with US Range appliances featuring permanently mounted cameras used for training chefs and managers, whether in person or via the internet, in their 32 restaurants throughout the state. The idea is to expedite menu development while allowing Duffy's to launch new items with improved efficiency and consistency, adds Emmett.

Initial plans for the Palm Beach County-based facility include invitation-only receptions for Duffy’s top customers, educational cooking seminars with local culinary students, feedback sessions with staff members, press events, and charitable fundraisers.

Duffy's Culinary Arts Studio is located at 1100 Barnett Drive, Lake Worth. Visit duffysmvp.com.

Nicole Danna is a food writer covering Broward and Palm Beach counties. To get the latest in food and drink news in South Florida, follow her @SoFloNicole or find her latest food pics on the BPB New Times Food & Drink Instagram.