Motek and Sesame to Take Over Former Maty's Space in Midtown Miami as Area Booms

Key Points

• Motek and Sesame Bakery will open this fall at 3255 NE First Ave., replacing acclaimed Peruvian concepts Maty’s and Itamae Ao.

• The brands are part of Happy Corner Hospitality, which is rapidly expanding in South Florida and New York.

• The move reflects Midtown Miami's transformation into a high-density, mixed-use destination.

Motek, the fast-growing Mediterranean restaurant brand, and its offshoot Sesame Bakery are set to open this fall in Midtown Miami, taking over the former shared space that housed Maty's and Itamae Ao.

The move isn’t just another restaurant opening—it reflects a broader story about Midtown’s rise as a walkable, food-forward neighborhood. 

The Deal

• Motek will occupy the former Maty's space, while Sesame will take over the adjoining area once home to Itamae Ao.

• The property is located at 3255 NE First Ave., in a prominent section of Midtown.

• The lease was brokered by Inhouse Commercial, with Sterling American Property as the landlord.

• No official opening date has been announced, but both brands are expected to launch by the end of the year.

Brand Profiles

• Motek launched in 2020 and has expanded to Brickell, Coral Gables, Aventura, Boca Raton, and Miami Beach.

• The brand is also entering New York with new locations in Williamsburg, Flatiron, and the Upper West Side.

• Sesame opened its first location in SoLé Mia in late 2024. That site is 5,000 square feet with indoor and outdoor dining.

• The Midtown outpost of Sesame will focus more on savory dishes like salads and warm plates, while still offering pastries and breads.

Investors’ & Landlords’ Angle: Why Midtown Keeps Winning

Midtown Miami has evolved into a dense, mixed-use neighborhood attracting both residents and visitors. With continued development nearby and increasing foot traffic, the area is becoming a reliable magnet for food-and-beverage concepts with staying power.

Replacing two chef-driven restaurants with a well-capitalized group like Happy Corner Hospitality shows the area’s upward trajectory in terms of tenant quality. The space split between Motek and Sesame also highlights how landlords can flexibly adapt layouts for maximum yield.

For investors, the leasing activity confirms growing retail demand in Midtown and makes a case for further acquisitions or repositioning plays in the area.