Two new food-and-beverage concepts are slated for Miami Worldcenter, expanding the growing retail mix at one of downtown Miami’s largest mixed-use developments.
On April 13, New York- and Miami-based Naftali Group said it plans to bring a Japanese dining concept, ITO•Kaya, and California-based wellness café SunLife Organics to the retail component of JEM Private Residences, a luxury condominium tower under development in the district.
The additions are part of a broader effort to build out dining and lifestyle offerings tied to the project, which is rising at Miami Worldcenter, a $6 billion development that spans 27 acres.
“Miami has evolved into a global destination for dining and lifestyle, and we wanted JEM to reflect that in a way that feels natural,” Danielle Naftali, executive vice president of marketing, sales and design at Naftali Group, said in a statement. “We’re curating the right mix.”
ITO•Kaya is being developed by New York-based VCR Group in partnership with chefs Masa Ito and Kevin Kim, who are behind the Michelin-starred ITO omakase concept with locations in New York and Las Vegas. The restaurant is expected to offer a Japanese-inspired menu with shareable dishes, along with nigiri, sashimi and skewers, as well as cocktails, sake and Japanese whisky.
David Rodolitz, founder and CEO of VCR Group, described the new Japanese concept as “a natural evolution” that offers a more social and energetic format. He said its "walkable" location provides an opportunity to connect with both residents and the broader Miami community.
SunLife Organics, founded in Malibu, California, will bring a menu focused on smoothies, superfood bowls and other health-oriented offerings. The brand has expanded beyond Southern California in recent years as demand for wellness-focused food concepts has grown.
Both concepts will be integrated into JEM’s residential offering, with service extending to amenity areas and potentially to private residences, according to Naftali Group.
Retail additions aside, JEM Private Residences topped off its 11-story base structure Feb. 18 and has begun vertical construction on its 67-story tower. Plans for the project include more than 30,000 square feet of amenities, including pools, fitness and wellness facilities and social spaces. Developer marketing materials list units starting at around $650,000.