Stephen Starr Opens Glamorous Steakhouse at Bal Harbour Shops

• Starr Restaurants opens Slim’s steakhouse at Bal Harbour Shops
• Takes over a recently vacated restaurant space with prior turnover
• High-end concept targets luxury retail foot traffic and tourists

What this opening means for Bal Harbour retail real estate

A new luxury steakhouse, Slim’s, has opened at Bal Harbour Shops, replacing a space that has seen multiple restaurant turnovers in recent years. The location previously housed Makoto, which relocated within the property, followed by another concept that closed in 2025. The quick backfill by Stephen Starr signals continued strong demand for prime retail and dining space in high-end shopping destinations.

What Starr’s involvement means for tenant quality

Stephen Starr, one of the most established names in hospitality, is behind the new concept through Starr Restaurants. His presence brings institutional-grade restaurant tenancy to the asset, which is critical for landlords. Established operators reduce risk, drive consistent traffic, and enhance the overall value of retail centers, especially in luxury destinations like Bal Harbour.

What the concept and design mean for foot traffic

Slim’s leans heavily into a luxury steakhouse experience with a design inspired by old Hollywood glamour. The 183-seat restaurant includes indoor and outdoor dining, with high-end finishes and curated design elements aimed at creating a destination experience. This type of concept is designed to increase dwell time and repeat visits, both key drivers of retail performance.

What tenant turnover tells us about the market

The space has seen multiple transitions in a short period, highlighting how even prime locations require the right concept to stick. However, the ability to quickly replace tenants with high-quality operators shows the strength of Bal Harbour’s leasing environment. For landlords, this reflects liquidity in retail leasing at the top end of the market.

What this signals for retail and hospitality demand in South Florida

Luxury retail centers like Bal Harbour continue to attract high-performing restaurant concepts that cater to both locals and tourists. With strong consumer spending and steady tourism, South Florida remains a top market for experiential retail and dining. For investors, this reinforces the value of owning assets in high-income, high-traffic locations where demand for premium tenants remains strong