Paramount Miami Worldcenter Hosts Lara Trump for Exclusive Interview with Miami Mayor Francis Suarez

Paramount Miami Worldcenter proudly hosted Lara Trump, the President’s daughter-in-law, today for the filming of her Fox News program My View with Lara Trump. The special episode featured Miami Mayor Francis Suarez and was filmed inside one of Paramount’s penthouse residences before concluding on the 55th-floor skydeck, where sweeping views of Downtown Miami and Biscayne Bay set the stage for a high-profile conversation.

A Historic Announcement in Downtown Miami

Just yesterday, the State of Florida announced that it donated land in Downtown Miami to the Donald J. Trump Presidential Library Foundation. The site, located only a few blocks from Paramount Miami Worldcenter, will serve as the future home of the Trump Presidential Library. The donation marks a historic moment for Miami and cements the city’s growing role as a hub for culture, politics, and history.

Likely Focus of the Interview

While there has been no official word on what topic Lara Trump and Mayor Suarez discussed during today’s filming, the timing strongly suggests it was centered on yesterday’s announcement of the Trump Presidential Library. Hosting the interview at Paramount, just steps away from the future library site, further reinforces the likelihood that the conversation touched on this historic news for Downtown Miami.

Paramount Miami Worldcenter as the Setting

As one of Miami’s most iconic residential towers, Paramount Miami Worldcenter was a fitting venue for this high-profile feature. Known as the crown jewel of the $6 billion Miami Worldcenter development, Paramount is celebrated for its luxury residences and unmatched amenities. Its penthouses and 55th-floor outdoor patio offered the perfect backdrop for Lara Trump’s interview, showcasing the city’s skyline at its most dramatic.

About My View with Lara Trump

Since premiering on Fox News in 2021, My View with Lara Trump has built a loyal national audience. The program blends interviews, commentary, and personal insight, offering viewers a unique perspective on politics, culture, and family. By bringing the show to Paramount Miami Worldcenter, Lara Trump highlighted both the luxury lifestyle of the building and Miami’s growing importance on the national stage.

When to Watch

The episode featuring Lara Trump’s interview with Miami Mayor Francis Suarez at Paramount Miami Worldcenter will air this Saturday at 8:00 PM Eastern Time on the Fox News Channel. Viewers will be able to tune in for the wide-ranging conversation set against the stunning views of Miami’s skyline.

2000 Wynwood Under Construction at 2000 N Miami Ave: A New Gateway to Wynwood

Construction is underway at 2000 Wynwood, a new mixed-use development located at 2000 N Miami Avenue. The project broke ground last month, bringing fresh momentum to Wynwood’s southern entrance and strengthening its connection to the neighboring Miami Arts & Entertainment District.

This marks a transformative step for an area long seen as the “gateway” into Wynwood — one that is now poised to evolve into a fully activated corridor for residents, visitors, and businesses alike.

Project Details: What’s Coming to 2000 Wynwood

Developed by Clearline Real Estate, with Shawmut Design and Construction leading the build, 2000 Wynwood will introduce a mix of residential, retail, and lifestyle space designed with both flexibility and sustainability in mind.

Highlights include:

• 12 stories / 380,000 square feet
• 310 residential units — a mix of studios, one-, and two-bedroom layouts
• 12,500 square feet of ground-floor retail space
• 308 parking spaces plus 141 bike racks for multi-modal access
• Architect: LEO A DALY
• Landscape / Engineering: Langan and Naturalficial

The building’s architecture emphasizes well-being, sustainability, and neighborhood integration — designed to feel bold yet approachable at Wynwood’s edge.

Why This Location Matters

Strengthening Wynwood’s Southern Gateway

Wynwood’s core activity has historically centered north of NW 20th Street. 2000 Wynwood sits just south of that, on a key stretch of N Miami Ave, bridging the arts district with downtown and Midtown Miami. Its location will help erase the divide between Wynwood and the A+E District, creating a more seamless urban flow.

Meeting the Demand for Live + Work + Play

As Wynwood continues to transform into a true mixed-use neighborhood, demand is growing for residential options that offer lifestyle amenities alongside retail. With coworking spaces, social lounges, and fitness areas planned, 2000 Wynwood is tailored for residents who want to live at the heart of Miami’s creative energy.

Smart Growth Through Infill

Rather than pushing development outward, 2000 Wynwood represents Miami’s pivot toward infill density. By building up on existing urban land, the project preserves walkability and makes more efficient use of Miami’s infrastructure.

Economic & Cultural Impact

The project signals confidence in Wynwood’s future. Clearline Real Estate acquired the site assemblage for roughly $19.1 million, securing T6-8-O zoning to allow up to 12 stories of mixed use.

As one of the largest new projects at Wynwood’s southern entrance, 2000 Wynwood is expected to:

• Draw in new retail and cultural tenants
• Anchor additional redevelopment in the surrounding area
• Provide hundreds of housing units near Downtown Miami
• Reinforce Wynwood’s identity as not just an arts hub, but a full-fledged residential community

What’s Next

With demolition complete earlier this year and construction now in progress, watch for:

• Foundation and vertical construction milestones
• Retail leasing announcements
• Streetscape and landscaping plans that shape the pedestrian experience
• A projected delivery timeline over the next two years

Final Thoughts

The groundbreaking of 2000 Wynwood marks a turning point for Miami’s most artistic neighborhood. By bringing together residential density, ground-floor retail, and thoughtful design at a strategic location, the project is set to redefine how residents and visitors experience Wynwood’s southern gateway.

As Miami continues to densify and mature as a global city, projects like 2000 Wynwood highlight the importance of infill development that builds upon the vibrancy of existing neighborhoods while better connecting them to the urban core.

Miami Metro vs. New York Metro: How Luxury Listings Compare in the U.S. Market

Realtor.com’s new report, “What is Luxury?”, sheds light on how the nation’s top metros stack up when it comes to high-end real estate. While New York still leads in the sheer number of luxury listings, the Miami–Fort Lauderdale–West Palm Beach metro isn’t far behind—highlighting Miami’s rapid rise as a national luxury hub.

$1M+ Listings: Miami Nearly Catches New York

According to the report, the New York–Newark–Jersey City metro has 11,980 active listings priced at $1 million or more, the highest total in the country. Surprisingly, the Miami–Fort Lauderdale–West Palm Beach metro is close behind with 10,074 $1M+ listings.

The gap between the two is far narrower than many might expect. Historically, New York has been viewed as the undisputed capital of U.S. luxury real estate, but Miami’s surge in high-end inventory shows the city’s market is maturing and competing on a national stage.

The Top 10% Thresholds: Miami vs. New York

Realtor.com defines “luxury” as the top 10% most expensive homes in any given market. Here’s how the thresholds compare:

• Miami metro: The top 10% of listings start at $2,087,674
• New York metro: The top 10% of listings start at $2,887,829
• Nationally: The top 10% of listings begin at just under $1.3M

These numbers highlight how Miami’s luxury floor is nearly $800K higher than the national average, putting it firmly in the country’s upper tier. At the same time, it remains more accessible than New York, where buyers need close to $2.9M to break into the top luxury bracket.

What This Means for Buyers and Sellers

For buyers, Miami offers a unique proposition: access to a high-end market with world-class amenities, oceanfront living, and international appeal—all at a price point lower than New York’s top tier. For sellers, the data reinforces Miami’s position as one of the hottest luxury real estate markets in the U.S., with strong demand and inventory levels rivaling the country’s largest metro.

The Takeaway

The Realtor.com study confirms what many industry insiders already know: Miami is no longer just an emerging luxury market—it’s a powerhouse in its own right. With over 10,000 listings above $1 million and a luxury threshold that places it in the same conversation as New York, Miami continues to attract global buyers who see value, lifestyle, and long-term growth potential in South Florida real estate.

Masaveu Acquires Wendy’s Site in Brickell for $24 Million, Completing Major Block Assemblage

In a significant Brickell land deal, Masaveu Real Estate US has acquired the Wendy’s property at 200 SW 8th Street in West Brickell for $24 million. The transaction, which closed last week, gives the Spanish investment firm control over nearly an entire block along Southwest Eighth Street — a key corridor in one of Miami’s fastest-growing neighborhoods.

Details of the Acquisition

• Purchase Price: $24 million
• Buyer: Masaveu Real Estate US, the American arm of Spanish conglomerate Corporación Masaveu
• Seller: A group including Inpetros LLC, Berlin Capital LLC, and CNG of Ottawa LLC
• Property: 3,611-square-foot Wendy’s building situated on approximately 0.6 acres at 200 SW 8th Street
• Zoning: Allows up to 150 units per acre and buildings up to 48 stories

The Wendy’s restaurant remains in operation, but the sale signals a long-term redevelopment play in one of Miami’s densest urban districts.

Masaveu’s Expanding Brickell Footprint

This purchase follows a series of recent acquisitions by Masaveu along Southwest Eighth Street:

• 268 SW 8th Street — acquired for $15.5 million earlier this year
• 242 & 250 SW 8th Street — purchased in prior transactions
• Air Rights — Masaveu also controls 22,050 square feet of air rights over adjacent parcels, adding the potential for another 48 residential units

With the Wendy’s deal completed, Masaveu now owns about 1.4 acres spanning multiple addresses, giving it a commanding position to shape future development in Brickell Miami.

Development Potential

Thanks to favorable zoning, the assemblage offers significant opportunities for high-density development. Masaveu could pursue:

• Luxury condominiums
• High-rise multifamily rentals
• Mixed-use projects incorporating retail, office, or hospitality

The zoning framework, coupled with the air rights Masaveu has already secured, allows for major vertical development potential. While no immediate redevelopment plans have been announced, the acquisitions strongly suggest a long-term vision for a transformative project in the heart of Brickell.

Why the Deal Matters

The $24 million Wendy’s purchase highlights several important real estate trends in Miami:

1. Assemblage Strategy: Acquiring smaller parcels over time to enable large-scale redevelopment.
2. Urban Infill Demand: Even fast-food sites in central neighborhoods are prime targets for redevelopment.
3. International Capital: Global investors, particularly from Europe and Latin America, continue to bet big on Miami real estate.
4. Zoning Leverage: Air rights and density bonuses are crucial tools for maximizing value in high-demand submarkets.

Conclusion

The sale of the Wendy’s site in Brickell is about far more than burgers and fries. It represents a strategic land play by a global investment firm with deep ties to Miami’s future growth. With nearly an entire block now under its control, Masaveu is positioned to deliver one of the next major mixed-use developments in Brickell.

Midtown Park Residences by Proper Unveils New Interior Renderings by Meyer Davis

Rosso Development, Midtown Development, and Proper Hospitality have released the first look at the interior public spaces of Midtown Park Residences by Proper—a new luxury residential tower that anchors the $2 billion Midtown Park master-planned community. Designed by the acclaimed New York–based Meyer Davis Studio, the interiors embody Proper’s signature sensibility: sophisticated, layered, and deeply connected to place.

A Landmark Addition to Midtown Miami

Rising 28 stories at 3055 N Miami Avenue, Midtown Park Residences by Proper will deliver 288 residences surrounded by activated parks, curated retail, dining, and wellness amenities. As the first residential tower within Midtown Park, the project sets the tone for the entire development, which will include restaurants, cafes, and an ULTRA racquet and padel club.

The design vision centers on creating a seamless connection between the vibrancy of Midtown and the comfort of home. According to Will Meyer, Co-Founder of Meyer Davis, the goal was to balance comfort, functionality, and timeless sophistication, resulting in communal spaces that are both purposeful and inviting.

A First Look at the Interiors

The newly unveiled renderings showcase interiors that draw inspiration from Miami’s natural light, landscape, and cultural energy. Natural stone, warm wood, plaster finishes, and greenery serve as the foundation of the design palette. Sculptural furnishings and artful accents provide Proper’s hallmark individuality.

Highlights include:

• 16-foot-high lobby gallery featuring museum-quality art, travertine and flagstone floors, and mirrored bronze columns.
• A mix of seating areas—intimate library nooks, custom banquettes, and plush velvet lounge chairs—paired with sculptural tables and green mosaic planters.
• Communal spaces such as the spa, lounges, and resident amenities designed with hospitality-level fluidity and warmth.

Every detail blends art, culture, and design into the fabric of daily life for residents.

Lifestyle & Amenities

Beyond its interiors, Midtown Park Residences offers an expansive suite of amenities:

• 40,000 sq. ft. tropical pool deck with a signature restaurant and bar overlooking panoramic city and bay views.
• Wellness amenities including a state-of-the-art fitness center, Pilates studio, yoga and meditation garden, spa pool, and two private pickleball courts.
• Curated social and leisure spaces: coffee bar, events lounge, kids club, private party room, co-working spaces, virtual golf simulator, screening room, and a communal vegetable garden designed by Naturalficial.

“Midtown Park Residences is about creating a lifestyle and sense of community that extends beyond the walls of each home,” said Carlos Rosso, Founder and CEO of Rosso Development.

Prime Midtown Location

Situated steps from the Miami Design District and Wynwood, Midtown Park Residences by Proper places residents at the epicenter of Miami’s most connected neighborhood. Its Midtown Miami address offers walkability, dining, shopping, and cultural experiences within minutes.

About Meyer Davis

Founded in 1999 by Will Meyer and Gray Davis, Meyer Davis is a globally recognized design studio named 2025 Design Firm of the Year by Hospitality Design Magazine. Known for shaping iconic environments for brands such as Four Seasons, Rosewood, Auberge, Mandarin Oriental, Ritz-Carlton, and W Hotels, the studio brings a balance of bold creativity and timeless refinement across hospitality and residential sectors.

Their interiors for Midtown Park Residences reflect the firm’s deep expertise in blending proportion, materiality, and light to create immersive, enduring environments.

RIVANI Sells Amara at Paraiso Waterfront Restaurant in Edgewater for $19.8M

RIVANI, led by real estate investor Robert Rivani, has completed a record-setting sale of the Amara at Paraiso restaurant space in Edgewater Miami for $19.8 million. The transaction highlights both the strength of Miami’s waterfront real estate market and investor appetite for rare, income-producing restaurant properties.

Property Details

• Location: 3101 NE 7th Avenue, Edgewater, Miami
• Type: Two-story waterfront restaurant condominium across from Paraiso Bay and Gran Paraiso
• Size: 12,316 square feet with indoor seating for ~150 and outdoor waterfront deck for ~70
• Tenant: Amara at Paraiso, operated by James Beard Award-winning chef Michael Schwartz of The Genuine Hospitality Group

The space features floor-to-ceiling windows and direct Biscayne Bay views, making it one of the most iconic dining destinations in Miami.

Acquisition & Profit

RIVANI originally acquired the property in 2021 from The Related Group for $12.1 million. In just four years, the asset appreciated nearly 63%, culminating in the recent $19.8 million sale.

Buyer Information

The buyer is a 1031 exchange investor from Chicago, marking their first South Florida acquisition. While the individual or entity’s name has not been disclosed, brokers noted that the deal attracted global interest, including prospective buyers from California and the Middle East.

Why This Transaction Matters

This landmark transaction underscores:

1. RIVANI’s Strategic Vision – The firm continues to reposition and expand into hospitality, office, and lifestyle assets across South Florida.
2. Miami’s Global Appeal – Edgewater waterfront properties are attracting buyers from across the U.S. and abroad.
3. Rarity of Product – Restaurant condos with premier tenants and direct water frontage remain some of the most coveted—and least available—assets in Miami.

About Amara at Paraiso

Opened in 2018, Amara at Paraiso blends Latin flavors with modern waterfront dining. Chef Michael Schwartz has cemented it as one of Miami’s signature restaurants, drawing locals and visitors alike to Edgewater’s bayfront.

Miami Homeownership Ranks Among Lowest in U.S., Redfin Study Finds

When people talk about housing affordability in Miami, the challenge is often framed in terms of rent being too high. However, a recent Redfin study reveals something more striking: Miami ranks relatively low among U.S. metropolitan areas in homeownership rates. In some ways, the city is more of a “renters’ town” than many might expect.

Miami’s Homeownership Ranking in 2025

Redfin’s Q2 2025 homeownership study paints a clear picture: Miami’s homeownership rate is just 57.5%, meaning more than 42% of households rent. By comparison, the national homeownership rate stands at 65%.

Among the 75 largest U.S. metro areas studied, Miami ranks near the bottom. While not the lowest, Miami is grouped with other expensive, high-demand coastal cities where homeownership is out of reach for many residents.

Cities With Even Lower Homeownership Than Miami

Despite Miami’s affordability challenges, several major metros report even lower rates of homeownership:

• Los Angeles, CA – 46.4%
• New York, NY – 49.4%
• San Francisco, CA – 54.0%
• San Jose, CA – 53.9%

Among these, Los Angeles has the lowest homeownership rate of any major U.S. city, with fewer than half of households owning their home.

Why Homeownership Is So Difficult in Miami

Miami’s relatively low homeownership rate is the result of several overlapping pressures:

• High Home Prices

The national median home price reached $443,867 in July 2025; however, in Miami, prices frequently surpass this benchmark. Many local neighborhoods — especially coastal and luxury markets — are priced far beyond what middle-class families can afford.

• Rising Mortgage Rates

With mortgage rates hovering around 6.5%, even qualified buyers face steep monthly payments. Higher rates reduce affordability and trap more households in long-term renting.

• Wage and Affordability Gap

Local wages haven’t kept pace with housing costs. Many Miami residents work in service-based industries, such as hospitality and retail, where incomes often fall well below what’s needed to afford a mortgage comfortably.

• Insurance Costs and Climate Risk

Miami’s property insurance crisis adds another layer of financial burden. Homeowners pay thousands more per year compared to the national average, and climate-related risk factors, such as hurricanes and flooding, further increase premiums.

• Limited Housing Supply

Geography constrains Miami’s housing market — the Atlantic Ocean to the east and the Everglades to the west limit buildable land. Add zoning restrictions and lengthy permitting, and the result is limited new supply and higher prices.

• Wealth Inequality

Generational wealth plays a significant role in homeownership. In Miami, many households lack the savings or family resources needed for down payments, even if they could afford the ongoing mortgage payments.

What Miami Would Need to Change

If Miami wants to improve its homeownership rate and give more residents the chance to buy, several systemic changes are needed:

• Increase Affordable Supply – Streamline zoning, permit approvals, and incentivize the development of starter homes and “missing middle” housing.
• Expand Buyer Assistance – Provide stronger down payment assistance, low-interest loan programs, and financial education for first-time buyers.
• Address Insurance Costs – Reform Florida’s insurance market to stabilize premiums and invest in climate resilience projects that reduce property risk.
• Boost Local Wages – Diversify Miami’s economy into higher-paying sectors, such as tech and finance, thereby giving residents greater purchasing power.
• Improve Lending Access – Encourage banks to adopt more flexible underwriting criteria and expand credit-building programs for renters.

Conclusion

Miami has long been a magnet for international buyers and luxury investors; however, this global demand has left many locals priced out of the market. With a homeownership rate of just 57.5%, the city falls well below the national average and sits alongside other expensive coastal metros where renting remains the dominant housing option.

While cities like Los Angeles and New York show even lower homeownership rates, Miami’s unique mix of high prices, stagnant wages, and skyrocketing insurance costs creates significant barriers.

If Miami is to shed its reputation as a “renter’s city,” policymakers and developers must collaborate to expand affordable housing, stabilize insurance markets, and create genuine pathways to homeownership for local families. Without those changes, Miami risks becoming a place where owning a home remains a dream for many — and a reality for only a privileged few.

How to Buy Real Estate with Crypto Without Triggering a Tax Event

In the world of real estate financing, a revolutionary option has emerged for cryptocurrency holders. Milo, a Miami-based fintech company, is transforming how crypto investors buy property—without having to sell their digital assets or incur a taxable event.

What Is Milo?

Milo offers a crypto-backed mortgage that allows buyers to use Bitcoin or Ethereum as collateral. Unlike traditional methods where crypto had to be sold—triggering capital gains taxes—Milo lets clients retain ownership of their digital assets. The crypto is placed in a secure, escrow-like account with Milo as collateral for the loan.

How It Works: Pre-Construction vs. Existing Properties

For pre-construction condos, Milo can even cover your deposit payments, giving investors early access to South Florida’s hottest developments. Interest rates for these loans typically range from 11–14%*.

For existing properties, Milo provides a more traditional 30-year mortgage, with interest rates in the 9–10% range*. This flexibility allows crypto investors to enter the real estate market without liquidating their holdings.
*Disclaimer: Interest rates are subject to change and depend on many variables. Prospective customers should request a custom quote.

The Benefits for Crypto Holders

The biggest advantage? No taxable event. By using crypto as collateral instead of converting it to fiat, Milo clients avoid capital gains taxes and stay invested in their digital portfolios. This structure is especially attractive for international buyers, long-term crypto holders, and investors seeking to diversify into real estate.

Comparing Milo to Traditional Options

Traditionally, purchasing real estate with crypto meant converting it into cash—incurring taxes and missing out on potential future gains. Milo flips the script: your crypto stays intact, is safely held, and can be reclaimed once the loan is paid off. It’s a future-focused financing solution for a new generation of wealth.

Meet the Visionary Behind Milo

At the helm of Milo is Josip Rupena, the company’s founder and CEO. A former J.P. Morgan executive, Rupena set out to bridge the gap between traditional real estate lending and the fast-moving world of digital assets. Under his leadership, Milo launched the first crypto mortgage product of its kind, reshaping what’s possible for crypto-savvy buyers.

Founded in Miami and headquartered in Wynwood at 545 NW 26th Street (545 Wyn)—the same building that houses the MIAX Sapphire options trading floor—Milo has quickly gained traction as a category-defining fintech. To date, it has closed over $65 million worth of crypto mortgage transactions, helping buyers around the world unlock real estate ownership without selling their Bitcoin or Ethereum.

As cryptocurrency becomes increasingly mainstream, Milo remains at the forefront, empowering a new wave of investors to diversify into real estate—securely, tax-efficiently, and without compromise.

Ready to Use Your Crypto to Purchase a Dream Property?

If you’re a crypto holder looking to buy real estate in Miami without selling your digital assets or triggering a taxable event, I can guide you through the entire process. Whether you’re interested in a pre-construction opportunity or a luxury condo that’s move-in ready, I’ll help you explore the best options for leveraging your crypto as collateral.

Contact Lucas Lechuga — Miami real estate expert and founder of MiamiCondoInvestments.com — to learn how to make your crypto work for your real estate goals.

Email: [email protected]

Or browse Miami real estate listings at your own leisure

Let’s unlock your next property using the power of crypto — safely, strategically, and tax-efficiently.

AVA MediterrAegean Restaurant Sets Sail for Coconut Grove: A Luxe Mediterranean Dining Debut This November

Get ready, Miami food lovers: this November, AVA MediterrAegean will open its doors at 2889 McFarlane Road, Coconut Grove — the location formerly occupied by Peacock Garden Café. Nestled in the heart of the Grove, this expansion marks Riviera Dining Group’s bold move to bring its signature Mediterranean-Aegean hospitality into one of Miami’s most storied neighborhoods.

Riviera Dining Group: The Ambitious Hospitality Brand Behind the Concept

Before diving into AVA’s arrival, it’s worth spotlighting the team behind it. Riviera Dining Group (RDG) is a luxury hospitality collective that operates a portfolio of elevated restaurant, lounge, and members-club concepts across South Florida. Their current brands include:

• MILA – a multi-venue rooftop restaurant, lounge, mixology bar, and omakase concept in Miami Beach
• Casa Neos – a waterfront/Miami River Mediterranean venue with beach-club and dock-&-dine offerings
• Claudie – a recent French/Mediterranean sister concept launched in Brickell in February 2025
• AVA MediterrAegean – their Aegean-driven brand, currently with one location in Winter Park, Florida, and soon in Coconut Grove.
• MM – the members-club platform that often integrates with their restaurant venues

RDG’s business model is as much about lifestyle and experiential hospitality as fine dining — blending design, service, culinary craft, and exclusivity. Their expansion is backed by outside capital: in December 2021, Mohari Hospitality (founded by Mark Scheinberg) took a significant minority stake in RDG to support concept development and growth. This partnership helps explain the financial muscle behind AVA’s ambitious rollout and the property acquisition in Coconut Grove.

RDG is often lauded for “record-breaking success” with MILA. Their success with that flagship has given them a strong platform from which to expand into other neighborhoods and concepts.

MILA’s Performance: Is It Truly One of the U.S. Top-Grossing Restaurants?

Is MILA among the highest-grossing restaurants in the United States? The short answer is yes — within its niche.

In Restaurant Business’s “Top 100 Independents” rankings for 2024, MILA placed #2, with reported sales of about $49,088,032. That positions MILA as one of the top-grossing independent (i.e. non-chain) restaurants in the U.S.

To give additional context:

• In 2023, MILA reported roughly $31.2 million in annual sales, per Restaurant Business.
• Its rising trajectory and positioning in a competitive, high-stakes Miami market have drawn industry attention.
• News and hospitality trade coverage frequently refer to MILA as “high-earning” or “record-breaking” when discussing RDG’s expansion.

So while MILA might not be the single absolute highest-grossing restaurant in the U.S. (many comparisons are tricky depending on chains vs independents), it indisputably ranks among the top in its class — a feat that adds credibility and buzz to AVA’s impending launch.

The 2889 McFarlane Road Site: From Peacock Garden to AVA’s Next Chapter

The address chosen for AVA — 2889 McFarlane Road — has a rich local history and strategic appeal:

• The property is a 6,369-square-foot ground-floor commercial condo within the Mutiny on the Park / Hotel Arya condominium development.
• In 2022, the site (then housing Peacock Garden Café) was sold by developer Ricardo Dunin and restaurateur Lalo Durazo for $9.5 million (about $1,500 per square foot) to Mohari Coconut Grove, connected to Mohari Hospitality.
• Following that acquisition, Riviera Dining Group (via its partnership with Mohari) was slated to operate a future restaurant concept in the space.
• Riviera Dining Group announces that AVA MediterrAegean will open this November at 2889 McFarlane Road — the spot formerly occupied by Peacock Garden.
• The Peacock Garden Café itself was a well-known Grove institution (alfresco garden dining, drinks, event space) and longtime community favorite before its closure.

This means that AVA isn’t just opening a restaurant — it’s reviving a high-profile, beloved location with a deep residential and culinary pedigree. The transition from garden-style café to immersive Mediterranean destination will be watched closely by locals and foodies alike.

What AVA MediterrAegean Will Bring to Coconut Grove

When AVA opens, it will likely offer:

• A Mediterranean / Aegean culinary program — building on the brand’s design and ethos of blending Greek traditions with contemporary flair (as hinted in their “coming soon” announcement)
• An immersive ambiance — Riviera’s prior venues emphasize design, ambiance, and multi-sensory experience
• A membership or private space component (MM Club) — reports suggest AVA will include its own members’ club space akin to those in other RDG venues
• A new dimension for the Grove’s dining scene, attracting both locals and destination diners

Coconut Grove’s Dining Scene Levels Up

With AVA MediterrAegean’s arrival, Coconut Grove is set to welcome another high-profile restaurant to its flourishing culinary roster. The neighborhood has already attracted major names like Carbone Vino, Major Food Group’s Italian concept, along with local standouts such as Ossobuco Coconut Grove, Level 6, and Amal Miami. Together, these destinations highlight Coconut Grove’s evolution into a serious culinary hotspot. AVA’s debut will not only introduce an Aegean-inspired dining experience but also reinforce the Grove’s reputation as one of Miami’s most dynamic dining neighborhoods, drawing both locals and visitors in search of world-class cuisine.