Sweetwaters Breaks Ground In Downtown Fort Lauderdale

The Fort Lauderdale Downtown Development Authority (DDA) announced the official groundbreaking of Sweetwaters, a full-service restaurant that will serve as a centerpiece of the reimagined Huizenga Park, which is slated to reopen in early 2026.

Developed by Specialty Restaurants Corporation (SRC), this construction milestone marks a major step in transforming the park into a public space where the city’s rich riverfront heritage intersects with its evolving culinary scene.

“We are thrilled to see Sweetwaters take shape along the New River as Huizenga Park prepares to welcome the community with its grand reopening this winter,” said Jenni Morejon, President and CEO of the Fort Lauderdale DDA. “SRC has an extraordinary track record of creating dining experiences that are both memorable and approachable,” she added. “With Sweetwaters, the park will gain a restaurant that is not just a place to eat, but a destination in its own right.”

Specialty Restaurants Corporation, the family-owned hospitality group behind Miami’s iconic Rusty Pelican and other celebrated waterfront destinations, will operate Sweetwaters, delivering a refined dining experience that captures the energy of Downtown Fort Lauderdale. Guests can expect bold flavors, attentive service, and a design that reflects the city’s lively riverfront character.

“Seeing Sweetwaters take shape in Huizenga Park, a place where Fort Lauderdale’s riverfront energy truly comes alive, is incredibly rewarding,” said John Tallichet, President & CEO of Specialty Restaurants Corporation. “Our vision is to create a dining experience that feels effortless and inviting, where every detail – from the design to the views to the cuisine – complements the park’s spirit, creating a place where people naturally want to gather.”

The one-story restaurant will include 6,140 square feet of interior dining space and 3,500 square feet of outdoor dining with a riverfront patio and a park-facing terrace, offering accommodations for up to 291 guests.

“Sweetwaters is a perfect example of the partnership-driven vision we strive for,” said Thomas Mauri, Principal of Quadra Consulting Corp and Owner’s Representative for Sweetwaters. “Collaborating closely with our client and the project team, we are transforming a standout concept into a destination that will define Las Olas.”

Located along the New River, the building is designed to integrate seamlessly with the park’s soon-to-be-opened upgrades, creating a natural extension of the landscape while offering diners sweeping views of the water and the downtown skyline.

The restaurant’s architectural vision is led by JVB Architectures, with interiors by ICRAVE, a Journey design studio known for creating immersive hospitality environments. RCC Associates, a national leader in restaurant and hospitality construction, is managing the project. Together, the team is bringing to life a modern, elegant, and open restaurant that merges natural materials with riverfront openness and a strong sense of place.

“RCC Associates is proud to be the general contractor for the exciting construction of Sweetwaters at Huizenga Park in Fort Lauderdale and looks forward to making this project a success for everyone involved,” said Robyn Raphael Dynan, President of RCC Associates.

Situated at the intersection of Las Olas Boulevard and Andrews Avenue, Huizenga Park offers direct access to the Riverwalk, cultural institutions, and nearby offices and residences. The addition of Sweetwaters reflects the DDA’s commitment to innovative public-private partnerships that create lasting impact in Downtown Fort Lauderdale. Once complete, the restaurant will activate the park daily, serving as a vibrant hub for dining, gatherings, and community connection, while reinforcing the district’s reputation as one of South Florida’s premier waterfront destinations.

Sweetwaters is expected to open in fall 2026 following the completion of construction. Additional details about Huizenga Park’s upgrades, programming, and events will be shared in the coming weeks, giving residents and visitors a first look at the revitalized riverfront and the exciting culinary and social experiences that await along the New River.