Get ready to experience the freshest catches and a vibrant Key West atmosphere, because FreshCo Fish Grill & Market is making waves with its exciting new location in Downtown Doral. This popular Miami-area seafood restaurant has officially expanded, bringing their acclaimed seafood and island-inspired dining to a new Miami audience. The FreshCo Fish Grill Doral establishment is already generating significant buzz, promising a delightful new dining destination.
The owners, Mario and Maya Palazon, have faced a long and challenging journey, but the opening of FreshCo Fish Grill Doral signifies a major triumph. Their expansion plans for FreshCo Fish Grill began over three years ago. Developer Armando Codina of Codina Partners initially approached them about opening a new spot. However, the path to opening FreshCo Fish Grill was not smooth, and they encountered permit problems and delivery delays.
A major hurdle arose in January 2025. Maya Palazon suffered a sudden heart attack. She required a double bypass surgery. This health scare significantly impacted their timeline for FreshCo Fish Grill. Days meant for Doral expansion planning shifted to hospital stays.
Despite these immense challenges, Maya has recovered. She is now actively working at the new FreshCo Fish Grill Doral restaurant. The opening occurred just before the first anniversary of her surgery. Maya is working extended hours and feels rewarded seeing the place full of customers. Mario Palazon calls the opening of FreshCo Fish Grill “phenomenal”.
A Taste of Key West in Doral at FreshCo Fish Grill
The new FreshCo Fish Grill location aims to transport diners to the Florida Keys. Mario Palazon, a Key West native, is infusing the space with a distinct Keys vibe. The atmosphere will feature live weekend entertainment. Expect reggae and Jimmy Buffett tunes to set the mood. Steel drums and other island accents will enhance the experience at FreshCo Fish Grill Doral.
This Doral restaurant is significantly larger than its Kendall counterpart. It boasts 127 seats. An outdoor patio offers additional dining space. The location for FreshCo Fish Grill is situated at 8455 NW 53rd St, Suite G103, in Doral. It sits next to the Doral Yards food hall and Mister 01 Pizza.
FreshCo’s Award-Winning Concept: Seafood Market Miami
FreshCo Fish Grill & Market is more than just a restaurant; it also operates as a premier seafood market Miami. Customers can purchase fresh seafood to take home. Alternatively, they can order a meal prepared on-site at FreshCo Fish Grill. This dual concept is a cornerstone of their success, offering unparalleled freshness for both dining in and taking out.
The business has received numerous accolades. Yelp ranked it as the 13th best seafood restaurant in the U.S. for 2024. Eat This, Not That named it the best seafood restaurant and market in Florida. These awards highlight FreshCo Fish Grill’s commitment to quality and freshness.
Mario Palazon emphasizes the daily delivery of fresh fish. He states customers know they are getting the freshest seafood available at FreshCo Fish Grill. The market aspect ensures transparency. Diners can see their fish being prepared. Nothing is hidden, and nothing is frozen.
Expanding Culinary Offerings at FreshCo Fish Grill
The new Doral location will feature breakfast and lunch daily. There is also potential for a seafood brunch in the future. The menu at FreshCo Fish Grill includes many of their signature dishes. Diners can enjoy items like their famous hogfish and blue crab cakes. New additions cater to the local Doral and surrounding communities. These include corvina and branzino.
Mario Palazon has also acquired the rights to Bidi Bidi Flan Flan. This brand offers flan in various flavors. It will be made and sold at FreshCo Fish Grill and to other retailers. This complements their popular authentic Key lime pie.
A Growing Presence in Miami: FreshCo Fish Grill Doral
FreshCo first opened its Kendall location in 2018. It quickly became a local favorite. The restaurant had previously opened a second, larger location in West Kendall after COVID-19 pandemic delays. This expansion into Doral marks another significant step for FreshCo Fish Grill.
The Doral area is a vibrant dining destination. FreshCo Fish Grill joins establishments like Bombay Darbar and Pura Vida. This new location is part of the ongoing restaurant growth in Miami. It offers a unique blend of fresh seafood and a relaxed island atmosphere.
The Palazon family is deeply involved in the FreshCo Fish Grill business. Mario and Maya lead the operation. Their son, Chef Marco, serves as the corporate chef. Their daughter Mia is also working at the restaurant, learning the business. This expansion solidifies FreshCo Fish Grill’s reputation as a premier seafood destination in Miami. It is a testament to their resilience and passion for quality. The fresh seafood and Keys-inspired theme are poised to attract many new patrons to FreshCo Fish Grill Doral. This news is a welcome development for Miami’s trending restaurant scene.
