STARR to Open Slim’s Steakhouse at Bal Harbour Shops in Old Aba Space

Key Points

• The deal covers 5,000 square feet on the ground floor at Bal Harbour Shops, the luxury open-air mall in Bal Harbour, Florida.

• The new venue, Slim’s, will be designed around a “golden age of cinema” motif with vintage murals and plush leather banquettes.

• This marks another expansion for Stephen Starr’s restaurant group at the same mall, where he already has other leases in place.

Renowned restaurateur Stephen Starr is adding a new steakhouse to the lineup at Bal Harbour Shops, a move that underscores how top-tier retail destinations are evolving into full-scale lifestyle hubs. 

Lease and Concept Details

• Slim’s will occupy approximately 5,000 square feet on the ground floor, adjacent to the Saks Fifth Avenue anchor at the mall.

• The space was previously occupied by the Japanese restaurant Makoto, which relocated three years ago.

• The design will feature a theatrical “golden age of cinema” theme, complete with vintage murals and plush leather seating.

• The mall’s owner, Whitman Family Development, has not provided comment.

Why It Matters for the Mall and Investors

Bal Harbour Shops is recognized as one of the most successful luxury retail centers in the country, with sales historically exceeding $3,000 per square foot. Introducing a high-end dining destination like Slim’s reinforces the mall’s strategy to enhance visitor experience and increase dwell time, turning shopping trips into complete leisure outings.

Starr’s growing footprint at Bal Harbour Shops also reflects a broader trend of integrating fine dining into luxury retail environments. Earlier this year, Starr signed a lease for another restaurant space within the mall, taking over the former Aba Mediterranean restaurant.

For real estate investors, these developments indicate that premier retail assets are evolving into diversified mixed-use destinations. The Whitman family has also shown confidence in the market, securing $740 million in construction financing to complete a 250,000-square-foot expansion of the property.

Risks and Considerations for Landlords and Brokers

While premium dining elevates a property’s overall appeal, it also introduces operational challenges such as higher build-out costs and longer opening timelines. Landlords should consider structuring leases that account for these factors while ensuring alignment with the mall’s luxury positioning.

The increasing number of dining options within Bal Harbour Shops creates healthy competition but requires each operator to offer a distinct concept and experience. For brokers and investors, monitoring how these restaurants interact with retail tenants will be key to assessing the property’s long-term performance.

Culinary Meets High-End Retail

Stephen Starr’s new Slim’s steakhouse at Bal Harbour Shops highlights the growing importance of culinary concepts in luxury retail environments. For landlords and investors, this project reinforces that blending fine dining with high-end retail can strengthen a property’s value, extend customer engagement, and support long-term growth.