CocoWalk is trying for a summer opening

So it was a pleasure to see the sidewalk open at CocoWalk Wednesday morning. This is how it should have been during the whole construction project. 

The proposed plan is for a phased opening of CocoWalk starting this summer. The latest tenants to sign leases include Narbona Natural Foods & Farm Market, an epicurean specialty market and Bluemercury, a national beauty and spa retailer.

Narbona Natural Foods & Farm Market, originating in Uruguay in 1909 as a farmer’s market and purveyor of natural products, Narbona specializes in homemade, artisanal and farm-raised products and even plans to produce its own yogurt onsite. The specialty market will feature a butcher shop, fresh pastas, and a bakery along with a wide selection of gourmet cheeses, craft beers, wines, and coffees – all produced on the company’s farms in South America. A tasting room for wine and specialty products will be available. Inside the market’s café, patrons can sit and enjoy tapas and freshly prepared food items or order them to go. The ambiance will center around treating patrons like neighbors and providing them with superior customer service as they select and taste the market’s products.

“Bringing Narbona Natural Foods & Farm Market to the United States has been a goal of mine for years and I’m excited that this is finally coming to fruition,” says owner Eduardo ‘Pacha’ Cantón. “I chose Coconut Grove as one of two locations to open in Miami because it’s a well-established neighborhood that places great emphasis on a healthy and organic lifestyle. The freshly grown produce and high-quality, specialty foods we will serve will perfectly align with the wants and needs of locals and visitors to the Grove, making it the ideal destination for us.” 

Bluemercury, founded in 1999 by entrepreneur Marla Beck, set out with the game-changing premise - to take cosmetics out of department stores and into dedicated neighborhood beauty stores where clients could find high-quality, innovative beauty products and honest, expert advice. In addition to stocking skincare, makeup, hair care and fragrance products, Bluemercury locations also include spa services, offering results-oriented treatments such as oxygen facials, glycolic peels, waxing and microdermabrasion. Born in Georgetown, Washington D.C., today the brand has over 175 locations in the US.

“Our aim is to return CocoWalk to its former vitality by bringing in carefully curated tenants attuned to the wants and needs of the local community,” said Stuart Biel, senior vice president of regional leasing at Federal Realty Investment Trust. “Narbona and Bluemercury are two remarkable concepts that will not only enhance the center Grove’s retail and dining offerings but will bring the community together for unique experiences.” Of course Stuart means, whomever will pay our high rent is in. 

These new tenants will join Mister 01 Extraordinary Pizza one of Miami’s most popular pizzerias; Edward Beiner, the luxury eye wear boutique that will return to CocoWalk; School of Rock, a national concept that offers music lessons led by veteran composers for both children and adults; and The Spot Barbershop, which offers classic and contemporary haircuts along with grooming services for the gentlemen of Miami.