MIAMI – RedFarm, the acclaimed Chinese restaurant celebrated for its distinctive approach to dim sum and Peking duck, has shuttered its Coconut Grove location in Miami after a tenure of only one year. The establishment, situated at 3131 Commodore Plaza, ceased operations following service on Sunday, June 29, 2025, marking a notable, albeit brief, chapter for the New York institution in the South Florida culinary landscape.
A Tale of Two Cities: Success vs. Short Run
Originating in New York’s West Village in 2011, RedFarm quickly cultivated a reputation for its blend of traditional Chinese flavors with playful, modern presentations, becoming a beloved fixture in the city’s competitive dining scene – an icon, as it were. Its popularity in the U.S. Northeast and its subsequent expansion to Austin, Texas, which locations will remain open, underscored its potential for national appeal. However, the foray into Miami did not replicate the enduring success found in its other markets.
The Miami Venture and Its Conclusion
The Coconut Grove location represented a collaborative effort, brought to fruition by veteran restaurateur Ed Schoenfeld alongside partners Jeffrey Chodorow, his son Zach Chodorow, and local real estate figure Alex Pirez. Despite the collective experience behind the project and the restaurant’s established brand recognition, the Miami outpost’s operational life was limited to approximately twelve months.
Details of the closure emerged via a statement posted on Instagram, the popular social media platform often utilized by businesses for direct communication with their patrons. The message confirmed the cessation of service after the specified date, leaving the restaurant’s followers and Miami diners to learn of the abrupt end to the Coconut Grove chapter.
Future Prospects and Signature Dishes
While the immediate closure signals a retreat from the specific Coconut Grove address, there are indications that RedFarm’s story in South Florida may not be entirely finished. Reports suggest that Jeffrey Chodorow and Zach Chodorow are exploring possibilities for a future return to the region. This potential revival includes the anticipated reappearance of some of RedFarm’s most popular and signature dishes, which have contributed significantly to its fame.
Among the highly regarded items expected to potentially make a comeback are Ed’s pastrami egg rolls, a creative fusion that exemplifies the restaurant’s innovative spirit, and the visually distinct Pac Man shrimp dumplings, known for their playful design and flavorful filling. However, despite the stated intention to reopen in the future, no specific new site or timeline for a potential South Florida return has been announced to date, leaving the specifics of any future venture uncertain.
Context Within Coconut Grove’s Evolving Dining Scene
The closure of RedFarm adds another layer to the ongoing evolution and dynamism of the Coconut Grove dining scene. The neighborhood, known for its vibrant atmosphere and growing culinary options, has seen significant changes recently. RedFarm’s departure follows other notable restaurant closures in the area, including the Michelin-recommended Portuguese restaurant Sereia and the Italian eatery Like Mike. These changes underscore the challenging and constantly shifting landscape for even well-regarded or critically recognized establishments in South Florida’s competitive market.
As RedFarm’s shutters its doors at 3131 Commodore Plaza after Sunday, June 29, 2025, its brief tenure in Miami stands in contrast to its decade-plus legacy as a New York icon. While diners in New York and Austin can continue to experience its unique offerings, the future of RedFarm in South Florida remains a subject of anticipation, contingent upon the identification and announcement of a new location by the involved partners.
