Two Florida State University graduates set out to make their culinary mark in South Florida with the launch of an upscale sports lounge and restaurant on Fort Lauderdale¹s Las Olas Boulevard in 2012. Three years later, longtime friends and co-founders, Rick Mijares and Paul Greenberg, expanded on their clever concept with the launch of American Social Bar & Kitchen in Miami. The brand has since become synonymous with creativity, innovation and an entrepreneurial spirit that continues to fuel this small-business success story.
A mover and shaker on the mixology scene, the patriotic lounge brims with sophisticated craft-cocktail menus and an upscale kitchen featuring elevated comfort food classics. As one of South Florida¹s most buzzed about eateries, American Social celebrated the third anniversary of its Las Olas location in 2015 and will commemorate the first anniversary of its Miami location off Brickell Avenue on Thursday, February 4th. Along with these milestones comes a new direction for the brand.
³2016 is going to be a tremendous year for American Social,² said co-founder Rick Mijares. ³We know our market and are utilizing the unwavering support we¹ve seen here to take our brand to the next level.²
American Social will debut a new name, logo and website as it makes its way to Tampa, Florida this fall. The new look will express an authentic-patriotic flair with influences from old Americana classics. Vintage sports memorabilia and shades of rustic red, white and blue will respectfully take the place of a former black and gold design.
The restaurant¹s third installment will incorporate these authenticities as it makes a grand transformation from the Fort Lauderdale flagship and spacious Brickell location. American Social Tampa, a 12,000 square foot waterfront property, will boast more than 400 seats, three full-service bars and a vintage speakeasy for private events.
³Rick and I are very proud of American Social and the loyal customers that have kept our business alive,² said co-founder Paul Greenberg. ³We¹ve grown tremendously and we grew that way through people.²
The anniversary party on February 4th will pay tribute to American Social¹s loyal patrons. Open to the public, guests will enjoy live entertainment as well as complimentary cocktails and passed hors d¹oeuvres from 6 to 8 p.m., $1 drinks from 8 to 10 p.m., live entertainment and $100 Moet bottle specials from 10 p.m. to midnight. The celebration will conclude Sunday, February 7th with a birthday brunch and Super Bowl 50 viewing party. For table reservations, please call 305-223-7004.
³It¹s more than a bar, it¹s a family,² said Greenberg. ³From our staff to our guests, we welcome everyone like it is their home, and we want to be the fun-loving, local Cheers bar forever.²