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Lime Fresh Mexican Grill expands in MiamiLime Fresh Mexican Grill expands in Miami

Ron Ruggless, Senior Editor

March 23, 2009

1 Min Read
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Ron Ruggless

MIAMI Lime Fresh Mexican Grill, a fast-casual concept that opened its first location in South Beach in 2004, is set to debut its fifth unit in Midtown Miami in April.

The 2,100-square-foot unit will have its grand opening April 16. It has 70 seats inside and 40 seats outside. The chain said it would open its sixth location this summer near the University of Miami.

The concept is known for its quesadillas and burritos, which produce an average per-person check of $14 to $17. The menu features fresh produce and meats charbroiled on grills in an exhibition-style kitchen. Guests also have the option of making their meal with whole wheat, multi-grain or low-carb tortillas. The restaurants are also known for their salsa bar and 50 hot sauces and serve beer, wine and frozen sangria.

Lime’s decor features Chicago brick, hammered copper countertops and hanging baskets filled with limes.

Other Lime units are in North Miami Beach, Pembroke Pines and Coconut Creek. The original South Beach Lime draws locals and tourists, including such bold-faced names as Hulk Hogan, Brooke Hogan, “Top Chef” judge Padma Lakshmi, singers Billy Joel, Rod Stewart and Jay-Z and actors Matt Damon and Owen Wilson.

The Midtown Miami location will host the Humane Society of Greater Miami Adopt-A-Pet for its grand-opening celebration on April 16, and it will give 1 percent of its April sales to the organization.

John Kunkel, founder and chief executive of Lime, said he feels strongly about giving back to the community. The restaurant partners with a local charity for each grand opening.

Contact Ron Ruggless at [email protected].

About the Author

Ron Ruggless

Senior Editor, Nation’s Restaurant News / Restaurant Hospitality

Ron Ruggless serves as a senior editor for Informa Connect’s Nation’s Restaurant News (NRN.com) and Restaurant Hospitality (Restaurant-Hospitality.com) online and print platforms. He joined NRN in 1992 after working 10 years in various roles at the Dallas Times Herald newspaper, including restaurant critic, assistant business editor, food editor and lifestyle editor. He also edited several printings of the Zagat Dining Guide for Dallas-Fort Worth, and his articles and photographs have appeared in Food & Wine, Food Network and Self magazines. 

Ron Ruggless’ areas of expertise include foodservice mergers, acquisitions, operations, supply chain, research and development and marketing. 

Ron Ruggless is a frequent moderator and panelist at industry events ranging from the Multi-Unit Foodservice Operators (MUFSO) conference to RestaurantSpaces, the Council of Hospitality and Restaurant Trainers, the National Restaurant Association’s Marketing Executives Group, local restaurant associations and the Horeca Professional Expo in Madrid, Spain.

Ron Ruggless’ experience:

Regional and Senior Editor, Informa Connect’s Nation’s Restaurant News and Restaurant Hospitality (1992 to present)

Features Editor – Dallas Times Herald (1989-1991)

Restaurant Critic and Food Editor – Dallas Times Herald (1987-1988)

Editing Roles – Dallas Times Herald (1982-1987)

Editing Roles – Charlotte (N.C.) Observer (1980-1982)

Editing Roles – Omaha (Neb.) World-Herald (1978-1980)

Email: [email protected]

Social media:

Twitter@RonRuggless

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ronruggless

Instagram: @RonRuggless

TikTok: @RonRuggless

 

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