by UFG | Apr 10, 2024 | News
WeWork’s former location in the Security Building in Miami’s downtown was recently leased by flex workspace operator Vast Coworking.
According to a press release from the tenant, Vast Coworking Group leased 20,300 square feet on the seventh, eighth and ninth floors of the property at 117 NE First Ave. As mentioned by a Vast representative, an undisclosed franchiser agreed to operate the location under the Venture X name for 10 years.
Eyal Peretz’s Fuse Group International is the owner of the 17-story Security Building. The Fort Lauderdale-based company acquired the building in 2021 after purchasing the loan secured by the then-foreclosure-prone property.
According to the press release, the Security Building’s anchor tenant, Vast Coworking, will feature 74 offices, in addition to a networking area and café. Matt Cozza, vice president of development at Venture X, said the space is expected to open its doors this year.
Under the leadership of Jason Anderson, Vast is a subsidiary of the West Palm Beach-based United Franchise Group, which, according to United Franchise’s LinkedIn, has franchises in a number of different areas, including coworking, signage and graphics, and food concepts. Vast has more than 190 coworking spaces spread across 2.4 million square feet in nine different countries. Office Evolution and Intelligent Office are two of Vast Coworking’s sister brands.
This project aims to revitalize a Miami landmark while providing a cutting-edge, flexible workspace solution that meets the changing needs of the modern worker. However, the new coworking location is bound to be more than a solution to filling out office space as the Security Building is also set to gain from this injection of creativity and energy due to its architectural significance and rich history.
by UFG | Apr 10, 2024 | News
One bite! Everyone knows the rules.
Barstool CEO Dave Portnoy took his popular pizza reviewing series to Florida this past week, stopping at 12 hotspots across the southern end of the state.
From Sarasota to Boca Raton, “El Presidente” chomped on several cheese pizzas for his social media accounts. The chosen pizza joints celebrated the spontaneous reviews from the media figure, reposting his reviews to their own accounts and sharing their experiences with him.
What is Portnoy’s ‘One Bite Review’ series for Barstool?
Portnoy’s “One Bite Review” is a video series where he travels across the country (sometimes the world) and buys a large cheese pizza, giving “one bite” pizza reviews for millions of followers.
“One bite, everybody knows the rules,” he says at the top of every review in which he rates every pizzeria out of 10 possible points. The channel has amassed more than 1 million subscribers since its debut in 2016, earning a cult fanbase.
In an interview Benzinga founder and CEO Jason Raznick, Portnoy explained what motivated him to review thousands of pizza joints. He shared it traced back to a debate he had with a coworker “Big Cat” Dan Katz. The two argued if they can only eat one food item for the rest of their lives, what would it be.
Portnoy argued pizza is the far superior option and decided to put his money where his mouth is by eating only pizza for one month.
“Since I was doing it, I (figured) I’ll take a bite and rate it — and it just kind of caught on,” he said.
David Portnoy pizza review list in Florida
Portnoy has journeyed to nearly 100 Florida pizzerias throughout his series. Curious if one of his favorites is right by you?
Here’s every Florida pizza joint Portnoy has reviewed:
- Mister O1- South Beach, Miami Beach – 8.9
- Ah-Beetz New Haven Pizza, Delray Beach – 8.4
- Eleventh Street Pizza, Miami – 8.2
- Lucali, Miami Beach – 8.1
- Heritage, Fort Lauderdale – 8.1
- Fantini’s, Stuart – 8.1
- Pizzacraft Artisan Pizzeria, Fort Lauderdale – 8.1
- Tucci’s Fire N Coal Pizza, Boca Raton – 8.1
- Blocks Pizza Deli, Miami Beach – 8
- Pizzette Miami, Miami Beach – 7.9
- Sicilian Oven, Boca Raton – 7.9
- Aunt Lulu’s NY Style Pizza, Boca Raton – 7.8
- Giotto Maestro Della Pizza, Miami Beach – 7.8
- Square Pie City, Miami – 7.8
- Luigi’s Coal Oven Pizza, Fort Lauderdale – 7.8
- Grandpa’s Pizza, Bonita Springs – 7.8
- Toby’s Original Little Italy Pizza, St. Petersburg – 7.7
- Nick’s New Haven Style Pizzeria and Bar, Boca Raton – 7.7
- Taglio Cucina & Pizzeria Romana, Port Charlotte – 7.7
- Industry Pizza & Slice Shop, Naples – 7.7
- Pete’s Pizza, Daytona Beach -7.6
- Pizza District, Boca Raton – 7.6
- Pizza Bruno, Orlando – 7.5
- Esposito’s Pizza Bar, Davie – 7.5
- Amarone, Aventura – 7.5
- Big Bang Pizzeria, North Lauderdale – 7.5
- Renzo’s Cafe Pizzeria, Boca Raton – 7.5
- Apizza Brooklyn, Miami – 7.4
- Pizza Time Ristorante, Boca Raton – 7.4
- Frankie’s Pizza, Miami – 7.4
- IL Panificio Pizzeria, Sarasota – 7.4
- Gianni’s Pizza, Bradenton – 7.3
- Prince Street Pizza, Miami – 7.3
- Pizza Pazza, Miami – 7.3
- Little Italian Pizza, Pompano Beach – 7.3
- Terre Del Sapore, Coral Gables – 7.3
- Tomasso’s Pizza and Subs, Boca Raton – 7.3
- Pizza Tropical, Miami – 7.3
- Giuseppe’s Steel City Pizza, Port Orange – 7.3
- Collins Pizza, Miami – 7.2
- Cafe La Buca, Pompano Beach – 7.2
- La Leggenda Pizzeria, Miami Beach – 7.2
- Sir Pizza, Key Biscayne – 7.2
- Rico’s Pizzeria, Sarasota – 7.2
- Conte’s Pizza – 7.2
- Cannoli Kitchen, Boca Raton – 7.1
- Black Magic Pizza – 7.1
- PizzeRizzo, Disney’s Hollywood Studios – 7.1
- Big Louie’s Pizzeria, Pompano Beach – 7.1
- Harry’s Pizzeria, Miami – 7.1
- Eddie & Sam’s NY Pizza, Tampa – 7.1
- DC Pie – Brickell, Miami – 7.1
- Grafa Pizza, Miami Beach – 7.1
- Nick’s Pizza, Deerfield Beach – 7.1
- Focaccia, Miami – 6.9
- LowBrow Pizza & Beer, Naples – 6.9
- Michael’s Ali Coal Fired Pizza, Winter Garden – 6.9
- The Big Cheese, Miami – 6.9
- Buon Pane Italiano Bakery, Miami Beach – 6.9
- Steve’s Pizza, Miami – 6.9
- Pizza Girls WPB, West Palm Beach – 6.9
- Banchero Miami, Miami Beach – 6.8
- Pucci’s Pizza, Miami – 6.8
- Pizza Rustica, Miami Beach – 6.8
- Blue Springs Pizza, Orange City – 6.8
- Fratelli La Bufala, Miami Beach – 6.8
- Andiamo, Miami – 6.8
- Brooklyn Boys Pizza & Pizza, Boca Ration – 6.8
- East Side Pizza, Miami – 6.8
- I Love Pizza, Miami – 6.7
- Venezia Italian Restaurant, Sarasota – 6.7
- Zuccarelli, Pompano Beach – 6.7
- Leo’s Pizza, Miami – 6.7
- New York Pizza & Restaurante, Miami – 6.7
- Franco & Vinny’s, Fort Launderdale – 6.7
- Miami’s Best Pizza, Coral Gables – 6.6
- Sazio, Delray Beach – 6.6
- Napoli Pizza, Daytona Beach – 6.6
- Casola’s Pizzeria & Sub Shop, Miami – 6.3
- Spris, Miami – 6.3
- Upper Crust Pizza, Celebration – 6.2
- Pizza Bar, Miami Beach – 6.1
- Lenny’s Pizza, Miami Beach – 6.1
- Piola – Miami Beach, Miami Beach, 6.1
- Chuck E. Cheese’s, Melbourne – 6 (also his most popular video with 4 million views)
- Primanti Bros, Fort Launderdale – 5.3
- Zinncredible Pizza, Davie – 5.2
- Biggie’s Pizza, Jacksonville – 5.1
- Planet Pizza, Orlando – 4.8
- Mom’s New York Pizza, Miami – 4.3
- Pizza De Miami, Miami – 4.1
- McDonald’s, Orlando – 2.9
- King’s Pizza, Clearwater – 2.4
- Pizza Al Fresco, Palm Beach – 2.2
What is the top pizza shop Portnoy has reviewed in the entire country?
Unfortunately, the top pizza place in Portnoy’s ranking isn’t found in Florida. Instead, it’s roughly 1,300 miles away in Massachusetts.
The only perfect score in the entire series, Monte’s Restaurant in Lynn has secured its spot as Portnoy’s favorite spot for pizza pies.
by UFG | Apr 10, 2024 | News
Florida-based The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill nearly doubled its footprint in 2023, opening 21 restaurants and entering six states: Arizona, California, Georgia, Maryland, Oregon and Utah. It ended the year with 51 locations in 16 states.
The chain also reported a double-digit increase in systemwide sales year-over-year, driven in part by a rise in online transactions.
“We are thrilled with our brand performance in 2023,” Bob Andersen, president of The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill, said in a company press release. “Our passionate franchise owners and ongoing commitment to innovation are fueling our rapid development.”
The company plans to continue its expansion in 2024, with 40 locations slated to open and its first international restaurant planned for Toronto, Canada.
“The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill continues to break records each year,” Ray Titus, CEO of United Franchise Group, which owns the Great Greek brand, said in the release. “With a focus on quality ingredients and guest experience, the brand has captured the hearts of its loyal customer base.”
The company also offers to-go and digital kitchen formats to expand its reach.
by UFG | Apr 10, 2024 | News
Vast Coworking Group To Occupy Three Floors at the Historic Security Building
West Palm Beach-based Vast Coworking Group has signed on for three floors at a historic building formerly occupied by WeWork in downtown Miami.
The coworking group will occupy floors 7-9, comprising 20,253 square feet at the Security Building in Miami’s central business district at 117 NE 1st Ave. The space comes equipped with 74 offices, and the group’s Venture X franchise will serve as the anchor tenant.
Vast has been working with Mike Trumpy, a Chicago-based broker and vice president at JLL, to identify strong “second-generation” office spaces, including former WeWork sites, according to a statement from the company as the United Franchise Group affiliate continues to grow its footprint. The Security Building’s ownership was represented by Colliers.
WeWork exited its location at the Security Building in 2021, a site it had occupied since 2017. After the coworking giant filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection last year, competitors have started to take up space at locations vacated by WeWork around the country.
WeWork still maintains several locations in the Miami area, including in Brickell, Miami Beach, Coral Gables and Wynwood Garage, according to its website. Historically, South Florida properties have been some of the company’s most successful.
Vast has been actively expanding its reach in multiple markets, and at the start of the year, it acquired flexible workspace provider Intelligent Office. The acquisition brought Vast’s total footprint to over 190 locations and 2.4 million square feet of office space across eight countries, adding 55 locations in the United States and Canada.
In South Florida, Vast offers nine locations across its three brands — Venture X, Office Evolution and Intelligent Office. The company thinks South Florida remains a prime area for development and will continue to add locations across the region, according to a statement from the office space provider.
The new downtown Miami location will include a Venture X signature café and networking area alongside offices and sit-to-stand desks.
The Security Building opened in 1927. The 17-story tower is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and was renovated in 2016. The tower’s facade includes design characteristics from the French-inspired Second Empire style and the Chicago School, including an “almost temple-like” base that encompasses the tower’s first three floors, according to a city of Miami preservation document.
by UFG | Apr 10, 2024 | News
The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill, a leading fast-casual Mediterranean restaurant franchise, is reporting 2023 as a milestone year where it achieved record unit growth and systemwide sales increases. The brand nearly doubled its nationwide footprint in 2023, opening 21 new restaurants throughout the year including its first in six new states: Arizona, California, Georgia, Maryland, Oregon, and Utah. With this growth, The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill surpassed 50 locations, ending the year with 51 restaurants operating in 16 U.S. states. The brand also achieved a double-digit increase in gross system sales year-over-year including an increase in online transactions across all digital sales channels.
“We are thrilled with our brand performance in 2023 as we continue to forge our path to be the worldwide franchise leader in the fast-casual Mediterranean restaurant category. Our passionate franchise owners and ongoing commitment to innovation is fueling our rapid development and we have no intention of slowing down,” says Bob Andersen, President of The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill. “Leveraging the momentum of our compounding success, 2024 is poised to be an explosive year of growth for us and we’re looking forward to bringing our brand to more markets around the world this year and beyond.”
The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill also kicked off an accelerated growth initiative in 2023 with the rollout of five non-traditional dining formats including a to-go-only restaurant and digital kitchen model. The brand has already begun to fill its development pipeline with these off-premises-focused outlets which are intended to provide the convenience of on-the-go dining to its customers while also giving existing and prospective franchise owners the opportunity to more cost effectively seize opportunities in prime areas while capturing more market share and increasing brand exposure. The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill opened its first to-go-only restaurant in College Park, Maryland (near the University of Maryland) in October 2023 and launched several digital kitchens in high-density metros like Miami, Los Angeles, and Dallas-Fort Worth.
In 2024, The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill is on track to surpass sales and development benchmarks with a robust development pipeline and 40 locations in active development that are slated to open by year’s end. The brand will also expand abroad this year, with its first international location planned for Toronto in Canada and development in Australia on the horizon. The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill is an affiliated brand of United Franchise Group™, giving it access to expertise and resources to seamlessly and successfully deploy international operations.
“The Great Greek continues to break records each year, reinforcing that it is a total standout among other Mediterranean fast-casual concepts. With a no-compromising philosophy on quality ingredients, portions, and guest experience, the brand has captured the hearts and earned the trust of its loyal customer base,” says Ray Titus, CEO of United Franchise Group. “2023 was a year that solidified the foundation for The Great Greek’s growth in 2024 and we’re excited to kick off its international expansion in Canada with more countries to come.”
Named a Top Mover & Shaker by FastCasual, a QSR 50 Contender and Franchisor to Watch by QSR magazine, and a Future 50 chain on Restaurant Business and Technomic’s list of the fastest-growing emerging concepts, The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill continues to stand out in the increasingly popular Mediterranean category, offering a “fine fast casual” experience to its customers.
The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill is a part of the Big Flavor Brands foodservice division of United Franchise Group (UFG), the global leader for entrepreneurs with over 1600 franchises in more than 60 countries and 2500+ franchisees.
