The owners of the Quarterdeck Seafood Bar & Neighborhood Grill chain, the Dive Bar Restaurant in Jupiter, and the Beach Bar at Newport Pier in Sunny Isles Beach, are bringing Fort Lauderdale a new concept next fall.
Paul Flanigan and Frank Zaffere have partnered with Joseph Zebrowski and the real estate and restaurant investment group, MoneyX, to build and operate Good Spirits Neighborhood Tavern.
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Paul's uncle, Joe "Big Daddy" Flanigan, is the founder of Flanigan's Enterprises. The first Quarterdeck was established in 1985 when Paul bought the Big Daddy's Liquor Store and Lounge on Cordova Road in Fort Lauderdale from his uncle, converting it into the first Quarterdeck restaurant.
His latest concept will be located at the Fresh Market-anchored shopping center located at 500 N. Federal Highway. The restaurant will offer a combination of traditional American fare and sushi.
The interior features wood and brick walls, a giant walk-in fireplace, and leather couches. The restaurant will also feature a wrap-around outdoor patio with fire pits and waterfalls.
According to Zaffere, the concept is a perfect fit for the Victoria Park neighborhood.
"Its been a long and winding road to get to this point," says Zaffere. "And we're excited to come to Victoria Park. I moved into this neighborhood 10 years ago, and immediately recognized the need for an alternative to Las Olas. Something a lot more personal - an upscale neighborhood tavern. We want to transform this area into something we all can be proud of."
Good Spirits, expected to open in November 2015, will be a neighborhood gathering place, adds Zaffere. The menu is being touted as all-American fare: comfort food, but "nothing too fancy."
The sushi, however, will be top of the line -- a combination of specialty sourced product and selections executed by executive chef Chan Jin has extensive experience cooking for restaurants in South Korea, New York, and Miami.
Of course, the food and drink won't be the only draw.
"Good Spirits means more than just great food and libations," says Flanigan. "It will be a great place to hang out with friends and neighbors, enjoy good food, a drink or two and good conversation while listening to good music, maybe even dancing a little if the spirit moves you. Having a good time; keeping your spirits high. That's the essence of Good Spirits."
Good Spirits will be located at 500 N. Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale.
Nicole Danna is a food blogger 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 Clean Plate's Instagram.
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