05 May CRA Board Approves Incentive to Rhythms 2.0 to Relocate and Expand Soul Food and Seafood Restaurant on Sistrunk
On May 3, 2022, the Fort Lauderdale City Commission, acting as the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) Board of Commissioners, approved a CRA incentive totaling $350,000 to Rhythms 2.0, LLC for the renovation and build-out of a soul food and seafood restaurant at 733-735 Sistrunk Boulevard. The new restaurant will provide a unique dining experience for its customers and add to the cultural diversity of the area. This is in line with the CRA’s goal to make Sistrunk Boulevard a place of destination for entertainment and cultural tourism.
City Commissioners approved a forgivable loan from the Property and Business Improvement Program in the amount of $125,000 and $75,000 from the Non-Residential Façade Program. CRA funding will assist the owners with the renovation, remodel, and build out of a 1,200 square foot bay to include a commercial kitchen, equipment, a grease trap, air conditioning, ADA compliant restrooms, an office, storage space, signage, and related pre-development costs.
Rhythms 2.0 is owned and operated by Fort Lauderdale natives and business owners, Xavier and Valencia London. The popular and successful restaurant, which was previously located in the Northwest neighborhood is well known for it seafood menu that includes such delicacies as blue and snow crabs, lobster, shrimp, fish, and conch. The soul food restaurants best sellers are oxtails, ribs, steaks, collard greens, candied yams, a signature mac and cheese, along with branded homemade sauces that complement the dishes. At their previous location, they were able to only operate as a take-out restaurant. The new restaurant will include seating areas for eat-in dining. In addition, the restaurant will provide employment opportunities for area residents.
The CRA Property and Business Improvement Program and the Façade Improvement Program has a special emphasis on attracting new restaurants to the CRA and modernizing existing structures. For more information about CRA incentives, visit www.fortlauderdalecra.com.