The Money Move
West Palm Beach is officially entering its main character era, and the vibes are strictly high-end. As finance giants like Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan, BlackRock, and Point72 shift their operations to Florida, the city is rapidly rebranding as "Wall Street South." And let's be real—where the money goes, the luxury dining follows.
Related Ross President Kenneth Himmel is leading the charge, saying the goal is to turn the area into a premier culinary capital. The strategy? Attract the same world-class chefs who built up hubs like Hudson Yards to ensure the new influx of ultra-wealthy residents never have to leave town for a five-star meal.
Who’s Landing in WPB
The expansion is no joke. Here is the breakdown of what is hitting the market:
- Los Mochis: The London-based Mexican-Japanese fusion spot (a favorite of celebs like Stella McCartney) is taking over 11,500 square feet at Phillips Point next fall.
- Tutto Caffe: Gianpaolo and Gabby Karan de Felice are bringing their Hamptons-style energy to the South Flagler House luxury tower.
- BuddhaBerry: The Hamptons froyo staple has already touched down.
- Upcoming hits: Pastis, Little Ruby’s Café, and a winter pop-up from Chef Harold Moore are all on the way.
- The Festival: Keep an eye on the inaugural "Taste of West Palm Beach" at CityPlace on Oct. 16, featuring over 30 local restaurants including Eataly and PopUp Bagels.
Why it matters
Real talk: This isn't just about food—it’s about infrastructure. Developer Stephen Ross has spent decades building out the city’s office towers and luxury residences to support this shift. With Vanderbilt University even planning a graduate campus for 2029, the long-term play here is clear. They aren't just building restaurants; they’re building a permanent ecosystem for the wealthy to live, work, and spend their cash without ever needing to fly back to New York.
