From South America to the southern end of Florida, the Craft Restaurant chain is preparing to open its latest Miami-Dade area locations. Founded in Argentina, with seven locations still running strong, the brand that made its debut in Coral Gables in July 2021, is blossoming.
With Craft Coconut Grove opening this week, followed by Craft Little Havana, coming in September, the chain is certainly having its moment in the sun.
After years of success in South America, the brand made its move to the US in the height of a global health crisis.
“We had an opportunity to come to Miami-Dade in 2021, and didn’t want to miss the moment, so we gave it a go,” explained the chain’s co-Owner, Nicolas Bleckwedel.
“People in South Florida are really drawn to the vibe, so I’m so glad we (took the leap) when we did.”
Craft’s menu features starters like TRUFFLE FRIES, GOAT CHEESE CROQUETTES, BRUSSEL SPROUTS, BURRATA, and BACON-WRAPPED DATES. A selection of breakfast and brunch dishes include everything from EGGS BENEDICT and CROQUE MADAME TOAST to POTATO ROSTI and a POST-APOCALYPTIC BRUNCH PLATE.
And that’s not all. Popular items include a wide selection of burgers, salads, sandwiches, and Neapolitan Pizzas. For guests who arrive thirsty, the menu includes a generous selection of draft beers, wines, and wine cocktails.
According to Webster, comfort food “provides consolation or a feeling of well-being and is associated with childhood or home cooking.”
Self-defined as Comfort Food at Its Best, Bleckwedel stresses that, at Craft, the recipe for providing comfort is all-encompassing, a blend of delicious food, casual vibes, friendly service, and an impressive dining experience.
“We like to make everyone feel like regulars,” Bleckwedel expressed, “welcoming them warmly, tending to every detail,” and serving impeccably prepared dishes.
When asked how they arrived at the name “Craft,” Bleckwedel remarked, “We didn't want to pigeonhole the brand by positioning it as a restaurant from any given country due to the variety of dishes we serve,” he explained. “We want our customers to think of Craft as a place where they can come with family, meet up with friends, and sit back and relax after work”, while enjoying delicious food in a casual, comfortable and friendly environment.
At its core, “we are a family-centric restaurant, offering quality foods at reasonable prices.”
As to whether the locations differ from one another, Bleckwedel explained that “as we learn about our clientele at each location, we continue to refine our offerings.”
“One of the advantages of having an evolving and extensive menu is that we seem to have something to satisfy any taste and budget,” he continued.
“Our goat cheese croquettes are popular, as are our pancakes with caramel cream and strawberries, breakfast, and midday entrees. Our garlic shrimp salad and Argentina Pizza are also customer favorites.”
When asked about his personal brand favorite, Bleckwedel was quick to respond. “ The Goat cheese croquettes with toasted almonds and honey are not only delicious but they’re different from anything else you can find in Miami.”
Because it seems that Happy Hour, running every weekday from 3 to 7 p.m, is always just a moment away at Craft, Bleckwedel revealed that their “cool and refreshing beer offerings from Prison Pals Brewery are rapidly becoming big sellers, as is our craft IPA. We also have a daily Bottomless Mimosa package for $25 that we offer every day, at any time of day.”
Delivery encompasses about 20% of the restaurant’s total sales and is becoming more popular every day, with customers able to order directly through the brand’s website. Powered by Sauce, orders are monitored, managed, and delivered with ease, promptness, and, of course, comfort.
At Craft, customers can experience excellent service and delicious food for breakfast, lunch meetings, happy hour, and family get-togethers in a modern and casual atmosphere.
When asked to share the brand’s Secret Sauce for success, Bleckwedel explained, “We’re a place where good food and good moments meet. We like to make everyone feel like regulars, welcoming them warmly, tending to every detail and serving our best cooking.”
“It’s not fine dining, and it’s not fast food,” he added, “it’s a combination of great food, excellent service, and affordable pricing.”
The Coconut Grove location joins other Craft locations throughout Miami-Dade, from Bayside to South Miami, South Beach to Key Biscayne, and Doral Heights to Midtown.
“We hope to see everybody soon!”
Locations
CORAL GABLES: 127 Giralda Ave.
SOUTH BEACH: 445 Española Way
BAYSIDE: 900 Biscayne Boulevard
SOUTH MIAMI: 5868 Sunset Drive
KEY BISCAYNE: 260 Crandon Boulevard
MIDTOWN: 3451 NE 1st Ave.
DORAL ISLES: 6450 NW 110th Ave.
COCONUT GROVE: 3324 Virginia St.
LITTLE HAVANA : Coming Soon
By Eileen Strauss
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