Miami, FL – RedFarm, the acclaimed Chinese restaurant celebrated for its distinctive approach to dim sum and Peking duck in New York City, has announced the closure of its Coconut Grove location after a tenure of just one year. The outpost, situated at 3131 Commodore Plaza on the site formerly occupied by Mr. Moe’s, is scheduled to cease operations following service on Sunday, June 29.
Venture into the Miami Market
The Miami venture represented a notable expansion for the RedFarm brand, bringing its unique blend of traditional Chinese cuisine with a modern, whimsical presentation to South Florida. The restaurant officially opened its doors in February 2024, an initiative spearheaded by restaurateur Ed Schoenfeld in partnership with Jeffrey Chodorow, his son Zach Chodorow, and local developer Alex Pirez. The choice of Coconut Grove reflected the neighborhood’s evolving status as a vibrant culinary destination.
A Brief Lifespan
Despite the pedigree of its New York City counterparts and the backing of experienced restaurateurs, the Coconut Grove location’s operational lifespan proved unexpectedly short, concluding just twelve months after its grand opening. The closure was communicated to the public through a concise statement posted on the restaurant’s Instagram account, described by observers as terse.
The RedFarm Legacy and Future Prospects
While the Miami branch is closing its doors, the RedFarm presence remains strong in other key markets. The original locations in New York City, which established the restaurant’s reputation for innovative Chinese food, will continue to operate. Similarly, the RedFarm outpost in Austin, Texas, is unaffected by the Miami closure and will also remain open.
Looking ahead, the Chodorow partners have reportedly expressed intentions to revive the RedFarm concept in South Florida at a new site in the future. This potential future iteration aims to reintroduce the signature dishes that garnered RedFarm its fame, including the popular Ed’s pastrami egg rolls and the visually striking Pac Man shrimp dumplings. The aspiration to re-establish a presence suggests a belief in the South Florida market’s long-term potential, despite the challenges faced at the Coconut Grove location.
Coconut Grove’s Shifting Culinary Landscape
The closure of RedFarm Coconut Grove occurs amidst a period of notable transition and upheaval within the neighborhood’s dining scene. In recent months, Coconut Grove has seen the departure of several other prominent establishments, reflecting the dynamic and competitive nature of the local restaurant industry. Among these are Sereia, a restaurant that had garnered recognition from the Michelin Guide, and the Italian eatery Like Mike. Additionally, Chef Michael Schwartz’s Harry’s Pizzeria locations in the area have also ceased operations. RedFarm’s closing adds another significant name to the list of recent departures, prompting discussions about the factors influencing the success and longevity of dining concepts in this specific Miami enclave.
The swift exit of a concept with the established reputation of RedFarm underscores the inherent challenges of the restaurant business, even for brands with proven success in other major metropolitan areas. While the Coconut Grove chapter concludes on June 29, the possibility of RedFarm’s return to South Florida at a different location leaves the door open for enthusiasts of its unique culinary offerings.
