A major milestone in Fort Lauderdale’s riverfront renaissance has officially begun. Sweetwaters, a full-service waterfront restaurant from Specialty Restaurants Corporation, the team behind Miami’s iconic Rusty Pelican, has broken ground at the soon-to-open, reimagined Huizenga Park.
Set to debut in fall 2026, Sweetwaters will anchor the park’s New River edge and introduce a destination dining experience designed to elevate downtown Fort Lauderdale’s culinary and social scene.
A New Era for Riverfront Dining
Designed to blend seamlessly with Huizenga Park’s refreshed landscape, Sweetwaters will feature 6,140 square feet of indoor dining and an additional 3,500 square feet of terraces and riverfront patios. The restaurant will seat up to 291 guests and offer sweeping views of the water and the downtown skyline. Architecture by JVB Architect, LLC and interiors by ICRAVE will create a modern, airy and natural environment that reflects South Florida’s outdoor lifestyle.
A Destination from the Team Behind Rusty Pelican
Specialty Restaurants Corporation, known for waterfront landmarks from Miami to California, will bring its signature approach to hospitality to the heart of Fort Lauderdale. John Tallichet, President and CEO of SRC, shared that the goal is to create a dining experience that feels effortless and inviting, with views, cuisine and design that complement the spirit of the park and the energy of the riverfront.
Built Through Community Collaboration
Construction is being led by RCC Associates, the award-winning South Florida firm behind projects such as the renovation of Parker Playhouse, Calusso and Sotogrande at Pier Sixty Six Marina, Moxie’s, Del Frisco’s Grill, Doc B’s, Kaluz, Cuba Libre, Pura Vida and others. Quadra Consulting Corp is serving as Owner’s Representative, overseeing development from concept to completion.
This collaboration between the project team and local stakeholders is widely seen as a catalyst for activating the park throughout the day with dining, gatherings and community connection.
A Milestone for the Reimagined Huizenga Park
Sweetwaters represents the first major milestone in Huizenga Park’s highly anticipated reopening, scheduled for early 2026. The revitalized park, located at the intersection of Las Olas Boulevard and Andrews Avenue, will reconnect the city to the New River with new gathering areas, water promenades and cultural programming.
Jenni Morejon, President and CEO of the Fort Lauderdale DDA, noted that Sweetwaters will bring people together, activate the riverfront and create a welcoming place for the community.
Looking Ahead
With construction underway and new renderings now released, excitement is growing for one of downtown Fort Lauderdale’s most anticipated openings. Sweetwaters is expected to welcome its first guests in fall 2026, offering locals, visitors and riverfront explorers a new place to dine, gather and enjoy the best of the New River.
