News

What Happened To Salt7 Fort Lauderdale ?

It appears that one of the coolest waterfront restaurants and bars at the Las Olas Icon is gone. A recent news story by Local 10, an ABC affiliate, reported employees and vendors not being paid. It also attempted to put the blame for the problems on the owner of its parent company, Salt Group Las Olas LLC, John Kostoglou. So, what happened to Salt7 Fort Lauderdale ?

Within 3 days another story appeared, published on the Salt7 Fort Lauderdale website, revealing critical facts not mentioned in the TV station story. This new story revealed that Salt7 had been sold, the new owners defaulted on the purchase agreement, and employees were stealing on a large scale. All critically material facts never mentioned in the original local TV story. Unfortunately, the damage was done as this local TV story created the recent ensuing chaos.

The sale agreement with Forget the 9 to 5, LLC of New York called for any arrears payments, including employees and vendors, to be paid in early March. The reasons for the default and termination of the sales agreement are unclear. Most likely a topic of future litigation.

As of today, April 1st, the restaurant appears closed, and the eviction order is being executed. With the restaurant completely still intact, including equipment, food, and alcohol, it remains to be seen if another brand under new management reopens the restaurant in the short term.

The other question is what happens to Sushi by Bou, a separate business who also occupies the space with Salt7 ?

Here’s what is known. Salt7 Fort Lauderdale from its opening in January 2021 had issues with its landlord, Related Group. The restaurant with plenty of frontage on the New River would logically be a great place for boats or yachts to dock. This was part of the agreement with the landlord but never came to fruition.

Salt7 Charters Viking Yacht

With the promise of a working dock, which required some approvals, etc., Salt7 launched a new business, Salt7 Charters, along with a customized Viking Yacht. With the landlord never getting the access approved, the new luxury fishing yacht business was closed. As noted on the website, this was more than just luxury fishing tours but adventures including overnight excursions.

In the beginning Salt7, despite its great food, cocktails and waterfront location, seemed like it was not quite achieving the success it had with its Delray Beach location. In Delray there is more of a late night party crowd which meant higher sales volume with increased drink sales. Las Olas does not have that type of clientele.

However, that all changed for the better when they launched The Blackout Brunch, which was very successful in Delray.

In October 2023 Salt7 Delray was sold to One Hospitality Group of Columbus OH, who then partnered with local restaurant group Sub-Culture Group to open the 3rd location of Kapow.

As 2024 arrived, the Salt7 owner and General Manager, Rob Berger, purchased another Las Olas restaurant, B Square Burgers. This venture was short lived as the high rent demanded by the landlord and some contingent liabilities could not allow for a viable business. That closed in November 2024.

As with any business there are risks and rewards. Salt7 appears to be more of a victim than villain. A landlord causing a lucrative yacht charter business to be closed, a new owner defaulting and finally a local TV station hit piece that spooked anyone from working there.

Salt7 could have easily reopened the Chapter 11 case, stopping any eviction but with local media creating such a scare, it would be almost impossible to overcome.

Sometimes reporting what appears to be a good story to help people might actually hurt even more. No winners here.