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Three longstanding restaurants along Wilton Drive are saying goodbye.
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- Kim Swan, Editor
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Triple Trouble for Dining On the Drive
By John Hayden
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Three longstanding restaurants along Wilton Drive are saying goodbye. Wilton Creamery, New York Grilled Cheese, and now Palmyra are all shuttering by the new year.
The three diverse restaurants all cite the same primary reason for shuttering: rent.
Palmyra is the latest name on the list. Over the weekend, owners posted the news to social media, saying, “The decision was not made lightly. With rising rent across Wilton Manors, the sharp increase in food and operating costs, and ongoing economic challenges, it has become unsustainable for small, independently owned establishments like ours to continue.”
It appeared Palmyra was going to close earlier this year, when owners announced they were made a lucrative offer too good to pass up. That deal fell through.
On Nov. 5, Wilton Creamery posted, “It is with a heavy heart (truly devastated to be honest) that we must announce that we will be closing Mid-December. It has been an honor to serve this community.”
Over the weekend it was confirmed that their last day will be in December and that, again, skyrocketing rent is the reason. However, they are looking into the possibility of reopening somewhere else.
Creamery owners are looking for a larger space in Oakland Park, where commercial rentals are cheaper.
Finally, there’s New York Grilled Cheese. They announced their impending demise several months ago and announced the “restaurant will be going away as of 12/01/25.” The post also says they are looking to reopen as NYGC Express in Fort Lauderdale.
Running a restaurant is not easy in even the best of times, and many fail for a number of different reasons, often because the concept, such as focusing on ice cream or grilled cheese, doesn’t work. That is not the case here.
All three, all roughly the same size, are leaving due to the cost of staying in the place that helped make them popular to begin with. How much more do landlords believe they can squeeze out of new tenants? The spots could sit empty for months, then once a new tenant is found they will need to do some sort of costly remodel.
One restaurant can close and not raise an eyebrow. But three at the same time along the same road may be a troubling trend manifesting itself in real time. |
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Apply for the Melissa St. John College Student Scholarship
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OutSFL is proud to launch the Melissa St. John College Student Scholarship, honoring the legacy of beloved drag illusionist and LGBTQ advocate Melissa St. John. This annual scholarship will support an LGBTQ-identifying undergraduate and / or graduate student who demonstrates a deep commitment to community service and leadership.
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‘All Men Are Pigs’ - Pig Week Runs From Nov. 28 to Dec. 7
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From Nov. 28 to Dec. 7, thousands of self-proclaimed pigs will flood Wilton Manors for the 11th annual Pig Week, 10 full days of sweat, squeals, and celebration. With nearly 60 events spread across clubs, pools, and play spaces, there’s no shortage of opportunities to get a little … muddy.
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City Manager Discusses Development
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A recent “summit” with developers and city staff yielded familiar requests from developers: lower parking requirements while increasing height and density caps and consider financial incentives.
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TODAY: Dance Party
Get ready to dance all night at the Friday & Saturday Night Dance Party.
SAT: Throwback Drag Brunch
Get ready to travel back in time and experience a fabulous Drag Brunch filled with nostalgia, glitz, and glamour.
SUN: Eucalyptus Wellness Bazaar
Discover all things fresh and relaxing at the Eucalyptus Wellness Bazaar.
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Project Manager -- Fort Lauderdale
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Business Development Associate -- Fort Lauderdale
Health Markets Insurance - First Family Insurance Fort Lauderdale is seeking a Business Development Associate to turn complex insurance information into clear, simple advice that empowers clients to make smart decisions, and more. $65,000 - $150,000 a year.
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Our mailing address is: The Islander |
PO Box 23817 • Oakland Park, FL 33307
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