• Join us on

Press Release

"Wings Over the Square" Butterfly Art Installation "Flying" Over Old School Square

Tuesday, July 16, 2024 - 2:45pm

The Delray Beach Downtown Development Authority (DDA) has announced the installation of the new art activation at Old School Square in Downtown Delray Beach called “Wings Over the Square".

The extensive butterfly art installation is up just in time for the 2nd Annual Delray Walls Mural Fest on Friday, July 26 and Saturday, July 27. “Wings Over the Square” by artist Lisa Littell is part of the DDA’s “Summer at the Square” initiative, a months-long series of exciting summer happenings at Old School Square in downtown Delray Beach.
 
“Wings Over the Square” features ten large (four-feet tall) butterfly installations with smaller groupings in the Amphitheatre area of Old School Square campus for photo ops. The butterflies will also be painted on the exterior doors of the Cornell Art Museum as well as featured inside the museum as part of an upcoming exhibition, “Nature’s Palette: Art Inspired by the Earth,” which opens September 6, 2024.
 
“We are excited to bring this creative, whimsical and unique art installation to downtown Delray,” said Laura Simon, Executive Director of the Delray Beach DDA. “Our hope is that Wings Over the Square will bring feelings of joy, lightness, and transformation to our residents and visitors that visit our downtown this summer.”
 
“Wings Over the Square” was created by professional fine artist, graphic artist and muralist, Lisa Littell. The butterfly art serves as a symbol of transformation and love for Littell, who said she hopes to create a ripple of positivity and joy that transcends boundaries and touches the heart. According to Littell, the butterflies are meant to send a message of hope to anyone who visits the installation.

Lisa Littell has found immense joy in creating art that touches hearts and brings smiles to the art appreciator. As a professional fine artist, graphic artist and muralist, her art is creative, whimsical and unique, always incorporating an interesting play on color and perspective. Through struggles and sacrifices in her personal life, her art has been both empowering and inspiring, allowing expression of emotions for herself and her collectors. The art breaks down walls of isolation and provides a space where creativity, passion and connection flourish. The butterfly art, as a symbol of transformation and love, marks a new chapter as she hopes to create a ripple of positivity and joy that transcends boundaries and touches the heart. The butterflies are sending a message of hope for anyone who visits the installation.

"Wings Over the Square" will be up at Old School Square through at least the end of September. 

Read more

New Restaurants and Retailers Opening in Downtown Delray

Friday, July 12, 2024 - 10:42am

The Delray Beach Downtown Development Authority (DDA) is excited to announce the opening and expansion of numerous new and existing restaurants and retailers in Downtown Delray Beach this summer and beyond.

“We are excited for the continued growth of Downtown Delray Beach,” said Laura Simon, Executive Director of the Delray Beach DDA. “Not only are we continuing to bring in new retailers, businesses and restaurants to our business district, but we are successfully and quickly filling vacancies as existing businesses choose to leave or move locations at the end of their leases. These are all signs of a healthy downtown.”

Visitors and residents to Downtown Delray Beach can expect the following this summer and in the coming months:

RESTAURANTS/CAFES:

  • Subculture Coffee is opening its new Downtown Delray Beach location at 302 NE 6th Avenue (Northbound Federal Highway). The grand opening is Wednesday, July 17, 2024 at 5pm. 
  • Kapow Noodle Bar will open at Salt7’s former location (32 SE 2nd Ave) in the Fall of 2024.
  • Michelin-starred Chef Michael Mina will open his Bourbon Steak restaurant at The Seagate Hotel on Atlantic Avenue. The new space will seat 310 and feature a 34-seat bar, patio seating, and a private dining room for 24. It is expected to open in late 2024.
  • Amar Bistro is moving to the Bar 25 location on Federal Highway (25 SE 6th Ave) where it will offer a full bar, covered outdoor patio and additional seating. The new Amar Mediterranean Kitchen and Bar is scheduled to open in September 2024. Amar’s current location (522 E Atlantic Ave.) will reopen in November 2024 as Gesto, an artisanal pizza shop.
  • The owners of Tropical Smokehouse in West Palm Beach will open a similar concept in the former Pour and Famous location at 524 W. Atlantic Ave. Tropical Smokehouse is a Florida BBQ restaurant.
  • Pura Vida is opening in the former BurgerFi location at 6 S. Ocean Blvd. on the southwest corner of Atlantic Avenue and A1A. Pura Vida is a healthy-minded café serving natural, wholesome foods.
  • The Standard, a modern American restaurant and bar with one location in Mizner Park, has opened its second spot to replace The OG at 166 SE 2nd Ave.
  • Lefkes will open July 2024 in the Delray Beach Market. Lefkes offers traditional Greek dining.
  • Geronimo Tequila Bar & Southwest Grill, located in New Haven, CT, will open a South Florida location at 105 E Atlantic Ave, which was formerly Cabana El Rey.
  • True Grit Hospitality has taken over the former Taverna Opa space at 270 E. Atlantic Ave. and will open a new concept, “Roka Hula,” a full service modern Asian Tiki Bar & Restaurant.
  • The Bridge Café is expanding into the vacant space just east of its current location (814 E. Atlantic Ave) where the owners will open a complementary concept.
  • Gabriella’s Modern Italian, created by the popular New Jersey restaurant of similar name and concept, Gabriella’s Italian Steakhouse, will open this October on NE Seventh Avenue within Atlantic Crossing.
  • Jerk and Lime at Nicole’s House, a family-owned Jamaican fusion restaurant, is opening late summer/fall at 182 NW 5th Avenue.
  • Johnny’s Deli opened at Toni’s Market on West Atlantic Avenue near the Tennis Center.

RETAIL:

  • New York City-based gourmet cookie shop, Chip City, opened its first Delray location at 302 E Atlantic Ave, Unit 302, in May.
  • Candle Land opened at 415 E. Atlantic Ave on June 9.
  • Delray Design Studio by Zelman Style Interiors opened on June 13th at 111 SE 1st Avenue.
  • Tootsies and Kokonuts are being combined and moving to 400 E Atlantic (Global Pursuit).
  • House of Perna is relocating from Arts Warehouse to Shoppes at the Ray on NE 2nd Ave. This will be fashion designer Amanda Perna’s second downtown location (she also co-owns A Little Wyld).
  • The Shops at the Seagate are moving to Pineapple Grove where they will reopen as Tern Studio
  • Surf District, located in Ocean City Lumber Co. (220 NE 1st St.) is under new ownership.
Read more

PRESS RELEASE: Delray Beach Fashion Week 2022

Wednesday, January 19, 2022 - 5:53pm

10th ANNUAL DELRAY BEACH FASHION WEEK 2022

Delray Beach, FL (January 14, 2022) …Downtown comes alive with style! Celebrate the 10th anniversary of Delray Beach Fashion Week from February 23-27, 2022. Experience spectacular fashion, local designers, art, and beauty at this special event created by the Downtown Development Authority and the downtown merchants. Join us for exciting fashion shows and events including the opening runway show, fashion show luncheon, sunsational shop & sip event, trunk shows and in-store events. Preview spring and summer styles with all items shown on the runway available for purchase throughout the downtown retail shops.

Events will take place throughout downtown Delray Beach starting with the opening runway show.  Tickets will be on sale beginning January 10, 2022 at www.DelrayFashionWeek.com, and 100% of the proceeds benefit the Achievement Centers for Children and Families

“The DDA and downtown merchants are proud to produce this award-winning event for its 10th year,” said Laura Simon, Executive Director, DDA. Delray Beach Fashion Week is a unique, fun, and all-encompassing opportunity to share with our local residents and visitors the fashion and beauty that is found right here in downtown Delray Beach.”

DBFW 2022 EVENTS:

Event details updated and tickets available on www.DelrayFashionWeek.com.

Wednesday, Feb. 23, 2022:  Opening Night - “Living in Paradise” Fashion Show Experience

Overview: “Living in Paradise” opening night runway show will feature over 30 retailers highlighting the “best of the best” that their stores have to offer.  Styles from upcoming spring and summer season will be showcased by over 70 models with hair and makeup done by local salons. Enjoy tropical décor, live musical entertainment, step and repeat photos, downtown merchant pop up retail and food tents, a cash bar offering wine, beer, champagne, and a lounge.

Time: 6:00PM – 10:00PM

Location: Park at Old School Square, 44 NE 2nd Avenue, downtown Delray Beach

Tickets:  $50 per person for special VIP seating & special access to lounge area 

All proceeds benefit the Achievement Centers for Children & Families.

 

Thursday, Feb. 24, 2022: “Colors of the Tropics” Fashion Show and Luncheon

Overview:  Celebrate the Colors of the Tropics with a themed runway fashion show featuring more than 40 Spring and Summer resort looks from over 20 downtown Delray Beach shops and local designers.   The luncheon includes opening reception, three-course lunch, silent auction, and entertainment at Meso Beach House. Each guest will also receive a welcome cocktail, swag bag and entry into a raffle package worth over $500.

Time: 11:30AM – 3PM: 11:30AM – Welcome Reception, 12PM - Luncheon, 12:45PM - Fashion Show, with silent auction and entertainment throughout the event.

Location: Meso Beach House, 900 E. Atlantic Avenue, Delray Beach 

Tickets: $125 per person includes reserved seat luncheon, welcome cocktail, swag bag, silent auction, fashion show with over 40 looks, entertainment. All proceeds benefit Achievement Centers for Children & Families.

Parking: Complimentary valet parking will be available.

 

Friday, Feb. 25, 2022:  Sunsational Shop and Sip Event

Overview:  Join us for a Sunsational Shop & event throughout downtown Delray Beach. Check-in at Rosewater Rooftop at The Ray Hotel and receive a complimentary beverage, light brunch bites, and a goodie bag of shopping specials, then stroll downtown to shop the many retailers seen in Fashion Week. Passport provided to each attendee to be checked at every participating location, with all completed passports will be entered into a raffle for a Downtown package. Turn in the passports at the post-event reception at Johnnie Brown’s. Enjoy complimentary parking along Atlantic Avenue.

Time: 10AM – 3PM. Check-in: 10AM-11:30AM

Location: throughout Downtown Delray Beach. Check-in at Rosewater Rooftop at The Ray Hotel, 233 NE 2nd Ave, Delray Beach

Tickets: $25 per person available online in advance and on-site. Includes continental breakfast at check-in, Fashion Week Swag Bag (with coupons to shoppable stores), free parking certificate, access to Ride Freebee, & raffle prize opportunities at the post-event reception. All proceeds benefit Achievement Centers for Children and Families.

 

Saturday, Feb. 26, 2022:  Sand & Sea Fashion Event

Overview:

Join us for a runway event featuring swimwear from our downtown Delray Beach retailers & designers. Swim show includes ticketed seats and complimentary cocktail & passed hors d'oeuvres at Rosewater Rooftop at The Ray Hotel concluding the event. Limited seating available.

Time: 3:00PM

Location: The Ray Plaza, 233 NE 2nd Avenue, Delray Beach

Tickets: $40.00 per person includes a fashion show, entertainment, and luxury lounge. All proceeds benefit Achievement Centers for Children & Families.

 

Sat. & Sun., Feb. 26-27, 2022: Downtown Delray Beach Craft Show

Overview: Howard Alan Events and the Delray Beach DDA present a juried art show stroll along NE 4th Ave. Experience over 100 artists and vendors.

Time: 10:00AM – 5:00PM

Location: NE 4th Avenue, Delray Beach

 

Sunday, February 27, 2022:  Fashion Trunk Shows & Instore Events

Overview

Fashion trunk shows, in-store events, and shopping throughout downtown Delray Beach.

Time: 10:00AM – 5:00PM

Location: Throughout downtown Delray Beach; Parking free downtown until noon and available at Old School Square Garage—95 NE 1st St (FREE until 4 PM; $5 Flat Rate after).

 

TICKETS: Available through www.DelrayFashionWeek.com  All proceeds benefit local Delray Beach non-profit the Achievement Centers for Children & Families. VIP Pass: $200 and includes: VIP access to all events, reserved front area seating, Amanda Perna bag (valued at $140). Individual tickets:  Opening Night- “Living in Paradise” Fashion Show Experience - $50, Colors of the Tropics Fashion Show and Luncheon - $125, Sunsational Shop and Sip - $25, Sand & Sea Fashion Event - $40.

 

CHARITY

BENEFICIARY: All proceeds benefit the Achievement Centers for Children and Families  www.achievementcentersfl.org 

 

SPONSORS: Thank you to the Delray Beach Fashion Week 2022 Sponsors who make this event possible: (As of 01.14.2022): Gold - Baldheaded Crypto Guy, Caner Windows, Ormonde Productions; Silver – The Colony Hotel, Johnnie Brown’s, Meso Beach House, Rosewater Rooftop at The Ray Hotel.  Parisi Events DDA Official Partners: Menin Development, and 4th & 5th Delray, Sundy Village-Pebb Capital, Grimes Events & Party Tents, and International Materials.

 

RETAILER PARTICIPANTS: Please visit www.DelrayFashionWeek.com  for the list of participants.

 

HAIR SALONS/MAKE-UP PARTICIPANTS: Please visit www.DelrayFashionWeek.com for the list of participants.

 

INFORMATION:   For more information, event details, and to purchase tickets in advance, please visit www.DelrayFashionWeek.com, facebook.com/DelrayFashion, #DelrayFashionWeek, or phone: 561.243.1077.

 

Media Contact: Sarah E. Flynn - Willcaro Communications LLC 

561.866.5064 - sarahf@willcarocomm.com

###

About the Delray Beach Downtown Development Authority

The Delray Beach Downtown Development Authority (DDA) mission is to stimulate, enhance and sustain the economic vitality of Downtown Delray Beach and the quality of life enjoyed by locals and visitors. Official Partners of the DDA include Menin Development, 4th & 5th Delray, Sundy Village-Pebb Capital, Grimes Events & Party Tents, and International Materials. For more information, please visit www.downtowndelraybeach.com or phone 561.243.1077.

Read more

In The Biz

Tuesday, August 10, 2021 - 2:46pm

Delray Beach, Florida USA
August 05, 2021

The Florida Food And Beverage Workers Association (FFBWA) today announced the final agenda and current list of hiring restaurants for the InTheBiz Delray Member Social & Job Crawl happening on Wednesday, August 11 at the new Delray Beach Market. InTheBiz Delray features twelve interviewing stations that represent over fifty restaurant locations throughout South Florida. Both a free membership drive and job festival, InTheBiz Delray offers attendees an innovative way to interview for jobs while socializing with fellow hospitality professionals in a festive venue. Beginning at 5 PM attendees will be offered a complementary beverage and discounted food and drinks throughout the event. At 8 PM candidates are invited to visit local participating restaurants in person to meet more staff and continue the interview process. InTheBiz Delray concludes the evening with an after party hosted by Bru's Room off Atlantic Avenue from 8 to 10 PM.  

Participating restaurant and resort food and beverage departments include: Anthony's Coal Fired Pizza, Bru's Room, City Oyster & Sushi Bar, Delray Beach Market, Delray Sands Resort, Elisabetta's, Johnnie Browns, Lionfish Delray Beach, OPAL Grand, Rocco's Tacos, Rosewater Rooftop, Sundy House, The Agency and Throw Social. FFBWA spokesperson Paul Dudley commented "we purposely assembled this group of high profile operators based on them having multiple locations to hire for or are just opening and urgently need to fill all positions.". He continued  "we want to deliver our members a variety of employers to engage in an intimate setting without having the stigma of an old school job fair." Additional restaurant and resort operators are expected to participate and will be announced as they join.

Attendees requiring special access or mobility services should contact the organizers in advance by emailing inthebiz@ffbwa.org. Hospitality job seekers and hiring companies can get more festival details and register online at www.InTheBizFlorida.org.

About The FFBWA- Florida Food & Beverage Workers Association (FFBWA) is a trade advocacy group for the over one million rock star hospitality professionals throughout the Sunshine State. The FFBWA mission is to be the voice of the talent for the Floridian food and beverage service industry representing our membership with confidence, pride, and purpose.

See the Flyer below for more information.

Read more

PRESS RELEASE: Florida Food and Beverage Workers Association - InTheBiz Delray Member Social & Job Crawl

Monday, August 9, 2021 - 11:07am
Delray Beach, Florida USA (FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE) August 05, 2021- The Florida Food And Beverage Workers Association (FFBWA) today announced the final agenda and current list of hiring restaurants for the InTheBiz Delray Member Social & Job Crawl happening on Wednesday, August 11 at the new Delray Beach Market. InTheBiz Delray features twelve interviewing stations that represent over fifty restaurant locations throughout South Florida. Both a free membership drive and job festival, InTheBiz Delray offers attendees an innovative way to interview for jobs while socializing with fellow hospitality professionals in a festive venue. Beginning at 5 PM attendees will be offered a complementary beverage and discounted food and drinks throughout the event. At 8 PM candidates are invited to visit local participating restaurants in person to meet more staff and continue the interview process. InTheBiz Delray concludes the evening with an after party hosted by Bru's Room off Atlantic Avenue from 8 to 10 PM.  
 
Participating restaurant and resort food and beverage departments include: Anthony's Coal Fired Pizza, Bru's Room, City Oyster & Sushi Bar, Delray Beach Market, Delray Sands Resort, Elisabetta's, Johnnie Browns, Lionfish Delray Beach, OPAL Grand, Rocco's Tacos, Rosewater Rooftop, Sundy House, The Agency and Throw Social. FFBWA spokesperson Paul Dudley commented "we purposely assembled this group of high profile operators based on them having multiple locations to hire for or are just opening and urgently need to fill all positions.". He continued  "we want to deliver our members a variety of employers to engage in an intimate setting without having the stigma of an old school job fair." Additional restaurant and resort operators are expected to participate and will be announced as they join. 
 
Attendees requiring special access or mobility services should contact the organizers in advance by emailing inthebiz@ffbwa.org. Hospitality job seekers and hiring companies can get more festival details and register online at www.InTheBizFlorida.org.

About The FFBWA- Florida Food & Beverage Workers Association (FFBWA) is a trade advocacy group for the over one million rock star hospitality professionals throughout the Sunshine State. The FFBWA mission is to be the voice of the talent for the Floridian food and beverage service industry representing our membership with confidence, pride, and purpose.

Read more