A new restaurant is in the works along Fort Lauderdale’s New River, where Ivy’s is preparing to bring a fresh dining concept to Las Olas Boulevard in early 2027.
The restaurant is planned for 500 East Las Olas Boulevard, next to the historic Stranahan House. It is the latest project from We Care Hospitality, the family-owned group behind Hollywood waterfront restaurants GG’s Waterfront, Tiki Tiki and Le Tub.
The name Ivy’s pays tribute to Ivy Stranahan, an educator and civic leader who played an important role in Fort Lauderdale’s early development. Her dedication to the city and its residents helped shape the restaurant’s focus on community and hospitality.
“Ivy’s will feel like a place that belongs in Fort Lauderdale and would be out of place anywhere else,” said Alex Serafini, managing partner of We Care Hospitality, which he runs with his parents, Dan and Lise-Anne Serafini. “There’s so much history and character along this stretch of the river, and we want to embrace that while creating something genuine, fresh, and exciting. To us, that means great food, a fun atmosphere, and the kind of hospitality that makes everyone feel welcome and comfortable,” he said.
Executive Chef Dan Siegelman will lead the kitchen, bringing experience from restaurants associated with chefs Michael Chiarello and Geoffrey Zakarian, as well as Miami restaurants Le Zoo and Upland. At Ivy’s, he plans to focus on coastal American cooking, with fresh Florida seafood, seasonal ingredients and locally sourced products.
The menu is expected to include a raw bar, seafood, handmade pastas and grilled meats. One dish in development, called Around the Campfire, will offer a more interactive dining experience. Guests will be able to cook skewers of chicken, steak, shrimp and eggplant on a small tabletop charcoal grill, with lettuce cups, herbs and sauces served alongside.
The beverage program will feature craft cocktails made with seasonal juices and house-made syrups, including drinks highlighting Florida spirits. The wine selection will focus on family-owned producers.
Urban Robot is designing the restaurant’s interiors, which will combine wood finishes, vintage-inspired furnishings and tropical details. Outdoor dining and a bar overlooking the New River are planned as central features, while the indoor space will offer a more intimate setting for meals and gatherings.
For the Serafini family, Ivy’s marks a shift from taking over established restaurants to building a new concept from the ground up. The group says it plans to extend its neighborhood focus through local partnerships and community initiatives as well as the restaurant itself.
Ivy’s is targeting an opening in the first quarter of 2027. More details are expected closer to launch. Updates will be available at ivysfortlauderdale.com and on Instagram at @ivysfortlauderdale.
