title: “New Businesses Opening on Las Olas Boulevard” meta_description: “Discover the exciting new restaurants, boutiques, and businesses opening on Fort Lauderdale’s iconic Las Olas Boulevard. Your guide to what’s new on the strip.” category: Local Business date: 2026-02-06 author: SoFlo Times Staff

New Businesses Opening on Las Olas Boulevard

Las Olas Boulevard has been the heart of Fort Lauderdale’s social and commercial life for nearly a century. This tree-lined thoroughfare, stretching from downtown to the beach, has reinvented itself countless times—from a quiet residential street to a bustling retail corridor that defines South Florida sophistication.

As we move through early 2026, Las Olas is experiencing another wave of renewal. New restaurants, boutiques, and service businesses are filling storefronts, bringing fresh energy to this beloved boulevard. Here’s your guide to the latest openings and what they offer.

Dining Destinations

Marea Coastal Kitchen (East Las Olas)

Taking over the space formerly occupied by a long-running steakhouse, Marea Coastal Kitchen has quickly become one of the hottest reservations in town. Chef Isabella Vega, previously of Miami’s acclaimed Mandolin Aegean Bistro, brings a menu inspired by the coastal cuisines of the Mediterranean and Caribbean.

The restaurant’s raw bar features daily-caught Florida seafood, while signature dishes include whole grilled branzino and a creative ceviche tasting menu. The airy, ocean-inspired interior features an open kitchen and a stunning coral-themed installation by a local artist.

“Las Olas has incredible energy,” Vega says. “We wanted to create something that honors Fort Lauderdale’s connection to the water while bringing new flavors to the neighborhood.”

Marea is open for dinner Tuesday through Sunday and brunch on weekends. Reservations are recommended.

Sunrise Pho (Mid-Las Olas)

Vietnamese cuisine arrives on Las Olas with Sunrise Pho, a family-owned restaurant operated by the Nguyen family, who previously ran a popular spot in Oakland Park. Their new location brings steaming bowls of traditional pho, crispy banh mi sandwiches, and fresh spring rolls to the boulevard.

The restaurant occupies a cozy space with a modest 40 seats, but the authentic flavors have already earned a devoted following. Their signature beef pho, simmered for 24 hours, has been called “the best in Broward County” by early reviewers.

“We’re excited to introduce Vietnamese food to the Las Olas crowd,” says owner Tommy Nguyen. “Many people here have never tried authentic pho. We want to share our family’s recipes with a new community.”

Goldie’s Ice Cream & Soda Fountain (West Las Olas)

In a nod to old Florida charm, Goldie’s brings the classic American soda fountain experience to Las Olas. The shop, named after owner Jennifer Walsh’s grandmother, serves housemade ice cream, hand-mixed phosphates, and nostalgic treats like egg creams and root beer floats.

The retro-inspired interior features pink vinyl barstools, vintage signage, and a gleaming marble counter. Ice cream flavors rotate seasonally, with current offerings including key lime pie, guava cheesecake, and a surprisingly addictive Cuban coffee crunch.

“Las Olas has plenty of upscale dining,” Walsh explains. “We wanted to create something fun and accessible—a place where families can come after dinner for something sweet.”

Boutiques and Retail

Palmetto Goods (East Las Olas)

This lifestyle boutique focuses exclusively on products made in Florida. From small-batch hot sauces and local honey to handcrafted jewelry and surf-inspired apparel, Palmetto Goods celebrates Sunshine State artisans.

Owner Marcus Chen spent two years building relationships with makers across Florida before opening the shop. “We have products from Key West to Pensacola,” he says. “Every item tells a story about Florida craftsmanship.”

The shop also hosts monthly “maker nights” where local artisans demonstrate their craft and connect with customers.

Olive & Thread (Mid-Las Olas)

Sustainable fashion finds a home on Las Olas with Olive & Thread, a boutique specializing in ethically produced women’s clothing and accessories. Owner Daniella Rossi sources from certified fair-trade manufacturers and prioritizes natural, biodegradable fabrics.

The carefully curated selection includes flowing linen dresses, organic cotton basics, and statement pieces from emerging sustainable designers. Prices range from accessible everyday wear to investment pieces.

“Sustainability shouldn’t mean sacrificing style,” Rossi says. “Our customers want to look beautiful and feel good about their choices. We make that possible.”

The Board Room (West Las Olas)

Surf culture meets upscale retail at The Board Room, a new concept from longtime Fort Lauderdale surfer and entrepreneur Jake Morrison. The shop stocks premium surfboards, skateboards, and beach lifestyle apparel, along with a curated selection of vinyl records and surf photography.

What sets The Board Room apart is its community focus. The space includes a small gallery featuring local surf photographers and hosts regular film screenings and board-shaping workshops.

“Fort Lauderdale has such rich surf history,” Morrison notes. “We wanted to create a gathering place for the local surf community, not just another retail shop.”

Services and Wellness

Restore Wellness Spa (Mid-Las Olas)

Joining the boulevard’s growing wellness scene, Restore offers cryotherapy, infrared saunas, IV vitamin therapy, and compression treatments. The sleek, modern space caters to health-conscious professionals and athletes seeking recovery and rejuvenation services.

The spa offers membership packages as well as drop-in services. Their popular “Lunch Break Reset”—a 30-minute session designed for busy professionals—has proven especially popular with the downtown work crowd.

Paws on Las Olas (West Las Olas)

Pet-friendly Fort Lauderdale gets a new destination with Paws on Las Olas, a premium pet boutique and grooming salon. The shop stocks high-end pet foods, designer collars and accessories, and local-made treats.

The attached grooming salon offers everything from basic baths to spa treatments. Owner Rebecca Martinez, a certified master groomer, brings 15 years of experience to the venture.

“Las Olas is so walkable, and everyone has their dogs out,” Martinez observes. “We wanted to create a one-stop destination for pampered pets and their people.”

What’s Coming Next

Several additional openings are expected on Las Olas in the coming months. A French patisserie is reportedly preparing to open near the Riverside Hotel, and a specialty cocktail bar is taking shape in a long-vacant space on the eastern end of the boulevard.

The Las Olas Association reports that vacancy rates on the boulevard have dropped to their lowest level in five years, reflecting renewed investor confidence in the corridor.

“Las Olas is experiencing a renaissance,” says association director Patricia Coleman. “We’re seeing a wonderful mix of established favorites and exciting new concepts. There’s something for everyone.”

Whether you’re looking for an innovative dining experience, unique shopping finds, or wellness services, Las Olas Boulevard continues to evolve while maintaining the sophisticated charm that has made it Fort Lauderdale’s premier destination for over 80 years.

Know of a new business opening on Las Olas? Send tips to news@soflotimes.com.