A new dining spot, Trust & Company Bar & Restaurant, is in the works for Coral Gables, The Real Deal has learned.
Restaurateur Jerry Flynn, who was previously a partner at Batch Gastropub near Brickell Avenue before selling his interest to investors, is bringing the new addition to Coral Gables’ restaurant scene. Flynn said he is planning to open the neighborhood “upscale-casual” bar and restaurant at 2 Aragon Avenue by the end of the year.
“Since my last project, we parted ways, and I’m doing something more food-focused and chef-driven, with a heavier emphasis on fresh local seafood, Grade A steaks, and burgers,” he told TRD.
The new eatery’s name is “inspired by the trust and integrity of the early 20th century,” Flynn said.
The 6,000-square-foot restaurant and bar will have an “industrial-chic ambiance,” with brick, iron and steel. Fortis Lamas Architecture is designing the interiors, which will be submitted to the city of Coral Gables soon, Flynn said.
RKF’s Senior Director John Ellis and Drew Schaul, vice president and managing broker of RKF’s Miami office, represented Trust & Co. in the deal. The spot was formerly home to Azucar Cuban Cuisine, which closed last year.
The new restaurant plans to serve locally sourced items like fresh seafood and produce, with 12 draft and 30 craft bottle beers, craft cocktails, a bourbon, whiskey and scotch selection, wine list as well as a full bar.
It will be open for lunch and dinner, brunch on Saturdays and Sundays, and a modified menu until closing: 1 a.m. during the week and 3 a.m. on weekend nights. Flynn said he is hoping to cater to the late-night crowd of hospitality people and local residents.
“Everyone has a tendency to leave the Gables because there is nothing there,” he said. “Everyone is closing early.”
Coral Gables is experiencing somewhat of a resurgence. Nearby, 55 Miracle Mile has recently received $1 million in improvements. With 65,000 square feet of office and retail space, tenants include the popular Tarpon Bend restaurant, Cibo wine bar and HSBC.
The city is also undergoing a $20 million downtown streetscape project. City commissioners approved an upgrade plan in August that calls for more green spaces and improved pedestrian areas, such as wider sidewalks, outdoor dining areas and mid-block parks and plazas.