Tag: Downtowners

Meet acclaimed restaurateur Thierry Beaud, who opened PISTACHE French Bistro on Clematis Street in Downtown West Palm Beach in 2008. Beaud was born and raised in Bordeaux, France and has both owned and managed several legendary eateries in South Florida. He
has two adult children — daughter Sophie, who followed in his footsteps to work in the hospitality industry, and son Remi, who recently graduated from Florida State University and shares the same birthday with Beaud.

How did you end up in Downtown West Palm Beach?

I’ve worked all over South Florida, and my career path brought me to Palm Beach County. I always had the dream to open a restaurant influenced by my French upbringing. When the opportunity presented itself in Downtown West Palm Beach along the beautiful Intracoastal,
I could see that dream coming to life, and in 2008, PISTACHE French Bistro was born.

What do you like most about being in Downtown West Palm Beach? 

It’s hard to narrow it down to one thing I like most. The Downtown area is a growing
neighborhood, pedestrian-friendly, with a strong community feel. Every year is marked with wonderful events that bring people from
near and far to Downtown West Palm Beach. Some of my favorite events include the West Palm Beach GreenMarket, the Palm Beach International Boat Show and 4th on Flagler. Being a part of that, year after year makes Downtown West Palm Beach a very special place to work and play.

What do you do for fun in Downtown West Palm Beach?

Some of my favorite things to do around Downtown West Palm Beach include dining with friends — there are so many great restaurants within just a few blocks of each other — as well as bike-riding along the waterfront, seeing a live show at Palm Beach Dramaworks and visiting local art galleries. We have so many cultural, artistic and entertainment options within walking distance here.

How was Downtown West Palm Beach evolved since you’ve been here?

Downtown West Palm Beach has always felt like a special place to me. It’s the proximity to the water, community events and various activities that gave Downtown West Palm Beach its unique identity. I have been here in the Downtown District for more than 20 years and the evolution has been remarkable. People now work just steps from where they live. There are services and restaurants and shopping to support a growing, lively population. And Brightline has opened up Downtown West Palm Beach to so many more people from around the region, making our special area a true destination. This has brought new customers to our restaurant, and all of the surrounding businesses, and I believe this trend will continue.

Meet Rosie Hanson, the co-owner of Garden District Taproom in Downtown West Palm Beach. A lifelong Floridian, she grew up and attended college in Gainesville. She taught in public schools for eight years before resigning in 2021 and, along with her husband Josh (with whom she is raising their young son), opened Garden District Taproom.

How did you end up in Downtown West Palm Beach?

After looking at several different locations for our taproom, we ultimately settled on the perfect little slice of Downtown. We fell in love with the natural light in the unit, along with the beautiful outdoor space. We knew Downtown would be the perfect place for our business because of the bustling atmosphere and heavy foot traffic. I couldn’t tell you how many people duck into our spot after walking by and having their curiosity piqued. We knew our business would thrive Downtown, as opposed to other locations.

What do you like most about being in Downtown West Palm Beach? 

I love that there is always something going on to draw people here. I love that it’s a destination — and not just for tourists but also for all South Florida residents. On the flip side of that, I love that Downtown has a large (and always growing) number of residents. It’s such a great mix of residential and commercial, which brings every demographic together. I love that it feels like a closeknit community — but also has some big city vibes.

What do you do for fun in Downtown West Palm Beach?

I love to grab a coffee and a pastry from Johan’s Joe or Subculture with my son and walk to the amazing Mandel Public Library, where we often spend hours. When my sister comes to visit, she loves staying at the Canopy by Hilton West Palm Beach Downtown hotel, and we really enjoy catching up over drinks at Treehouse. We also love to grab dinner at Kapow, or, for a quicker bite, Keese’s.

How was Downtown West Palm Beach evolved since you’ve been here?

Even in the short time we’ve been Downtown, the growth has been undeniable. Massive apartment buildings and office buildings have gone up. Countless businesses have opened. The Square has gone back to its roots as CityPlace. And one of the most exciting changes has been the influx of young professionals. They are flocking to our area, and I feel like Downtown is becoming a fun and trendy destination. I can envision Downtown growing even more in the coming decade, and Clematis getting a makeover to match revitalized vibe of CityPlace, and the waterfront developing into a beautiful family-friendly destination for everyone to enjoy.

Meet Denise Hull, a dynamic entrepreneur with multiple thriving businesses in Downtown West Palm Beach. A local Realtor and rental expert for 30 years and it was her property management career that led her to Downtown West Palm Beach in November 1999, when she managed and leased at what is now Flagler Pointe (formerly Jefferson at Flagler). In 2015, she launched her firm Media by Midge, but it was her lifelong love of pets ― both her own and others’ ― led her to her true passion: founding D is for DOG in 2020, a pet grooming and pampering business. Inspired by her eye for design, she also began offering a selection of stylish products for people. The response was so positive that, in 2021, she opened a boutique called D is for DESIGN.

What do you like most about being in Downtown West Palm Beach? 

The proximity to everything! I’m a high-rise dweller and love to be able to walk most places. I’m close to everything ― the Atlantic Ocean, shopping, dining, culture and more. Downtown West Palm Beach is a tropical paradise and a place I’ve felt at home since I first came here.

What do you do for fun in Downtown West Palm Beach?

When I was leasing at The Alexander (now Avalon), I had an amazing mentor (Jennifer Stull-Wise) who encouraged me to “pursue my passion.” That’s what ultimately led to the creation of D is for DOG. So, I would say that with the daily running of my businesses, my hobbies are now how I spend most of my time. As the old saying goes “Do what you love, and you’ll never work a day in your life.” That’s me! But in my free time, I love biking, cooking, playing golf and traveling. I visit the GreenMarket regularly and take advantage of being so close to all the cultural and entertainment options nearby. And I love the convenience of being so close to Brightline when I need it.

How has Downtown West Palm Beach evolved since you’ve been here and what do you forsee in the future?

I’ve seen major changes since the fall of 1999. We now have more than 10,000 residential units, which has brought a lot of economic growth. The City of West Palm Beach and the Downtown Development Authority, along with high-end developers, have been instrumental in improving the vibrancy of the city. And since the pandemic in 2020, the area has only grown larger and more diverse. I am very optimistic about the future of Downtown West Palm Beach as it continues to grow.

Meet Ludo Brusa, operations manager for the “Ambassador Program”, implemented by the West Palm Beach Downtown Development Authority and operated by the contracted company, Block by Block — which specializes in an array of services that improve quality of life in downtown areas. Among the services that Block by Block provides: 1) Hospitality and
safety services; 2) Cleaning of public spaces; 3) Community outreach; 4) Landscaping and grounds maintenance; 5) Improvement of transit
programs.

Originally from Italy, Brusa grew up in New Rochelle, New York. For 11 years, he also lived and studied overseas, moving across five different continents. He believes his international experiences have widened his horizons and overall appreciation of different cultures.

Tell us what brough you to Downtown West Palm Beach: 

I came to West Palm Beach through my work with Block by Block, after previously managing the Ambassador Program in Downtown San Antonio, Texas. I was impressed by the Downtown District’s beauty, vibrant atmosphere and dynamic growth taking place. This further fueled my interest and motivation in contributing to Downtown West Palm Beach’s development.

What do you like most about being in Downtown West Palm Beach? 

I really enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of Downtown, and its cultural diversity. It’s a very walkable area, offering a rich range of different activities, entertainment, art galleries, museums, restaurants and nightlife. There is also a very diverse mix of people you encounter from all around the world. This makes the area very welcoming for all.

What do you do for fun in West Palm Beach? 

I enjoy walking Downtown and feeling the excitement that is always in the air. There are always new shows, events and activities. During
weekends, I enjoy shopping at the GreenMarket, walking the waterfront and grabbing a pizza at Elisabetta’s. I’m also passionate about outdoor activities, particularly sailing and fishing.

How has Downtown West Palm Beach evolved since you’ve been here? 

Although I’ve only been in Downtown West Palm Beach since the summer of 2024, I’ve already seen new businesses and properties open. West Palm Beach is widely recognized for its vibrant downtown and diverse attractions. Given the growth the city is experiencing, I’m confident that this momentum will continue for years to come.

What would you say to someone considering moving to Downtown West Palm Beach? 

This is a warm, diverse, welcoming, and vibrant place. And being in Downtown will make you will feel so energized, enthusiastic and optimistic. You will enjoy a great experience. I recommend that you take part in the many community events and if you love dining out, be sure to visit all of the great Downtown restaurants and cafes located within walking distance of one another.

Meet real estate developer Gopal Rajegowda, an executive vice president with Related Ross. He has long been passionate about developing successful destinations that combine world-class design, urban planning, hospitality, arts and culture, experiential retail, food and beverage, and community. With his global experience, he’s uniquely qualified to manage his current projects: the reimagination of CityPlace neighborhood in Downtown West Palm Beach, as well as also leading the development of 360 Rosemary (a Class-A office building); 575 Rosemary (a mixed-use tower that includes luxury residences and retail space); and One Flagler (a Class-A world-class office building located along the Downtown West Palm Beach waterfront). Passionate about his community, Rajegowda serves as a board member of the Economic Council of Palm Beach County, Chamber of Commerce of The Palm Beaches and Cultural Council of Palm Beach County, and was recently named to the West Palm Beach Mayor’s Taskforce for Racial and Ethnic Equality. He officially began working in Downtown West Palm Beach in 2016.

What do you like most about being in Downtown West Palm Beach? 

I like that it is walkable, connected, vibrant and a great place to raise a family. The Brightline stop at the north end of the CityPlace District is a game-changer — because it connects us to virtually all of South Florida. I’m also inspired by all of the new public art around the Downtown District. Our company has been driving major public art installations in Downtown, with seven major works installed over the last nine years. Our most recent installation in collaboration with the City of West Palm Beach and Fred Eversley at the Julian Abele Park at One Flagler is a great example of how a reimagined accessible public space with world-class sculpture can create a special, transformative area for us all.

What do you do for fun in Downtown West Palm Beach? 

My wife and our 3-year-old son enjoy walking through Downtown, relaxing in public parks, dining at restaurants and visiting cultural facilities. We love the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts. I also enjoy an active lifestyle, which includes practicing yoga, running and cycling with friends. I feel like we live in a tropical paradise.

How has Downtown West Palm Beach evolved since you’ve been here? 

The biggest post-pandemic change is how young professionals and young families have embraced the area. The cultural, dining and entertaining scenes have been transformed and that includes the work Related Ross has done reimagining CityPlace over the last eight years. I predict more companies will move here and more people will want to live, work and play Downtown. The more Downtown gets developed, the more viable that retail, restaurants and cultural institutions will be, further shaping the personality of Downtown West Palm Beach.

Meet Amir Mabrouk, the owner of Green Olive Market Place — a specialty market he describes as “a family-run New York-style bodega” that’s in the heart of Downtown West Palm Beach. A native South Floridian, Mabrouk was born in Hollywood and attended Palm Beach State College. He has extensive experience in the hospitality, customer service and marketing industries, having applied his skills in everything from luxury hotels and busy nightclubs to specialty supermarkets, eateries and local tourism. He has lived and worked in San Francisco and Las Vegas but believes that Downtown West Palm Beach offers a myriad of benefits and amenities that can’t be matched anywhere else in the world.

How did you end up in Downtown West Palm Beach?

I’ve always been involved in customer service and hospitality. I’m sure I get that from my father because he spent his entire career in the same industry before retiring not long ago from his full-time job. A few years ago, while I was working for a major resort hotel, I decided it was time to use my diversified experience and skillset to open my own business. I looked all over South Florida to find the ideal spot and concluded that it had to be in Downtown West Palm Beach. In Downtown West Palm Beach, I discovered the perfect blend of cultural attractions, world-class restaurants, and breathtaking scenery. From the moment we opened Green Olive Market Place, we’ve been embraced by the community. I’d like to think it’s because we put such a premium on providing a combination of superb customer service and top-notch products. And I love that my father now has the time to help run the store with me. We have such a great family atmosphere, and we consider our customers like family too.

How do you have fun in Downtown West Palm Beach? 

I’m a very active and athletic guy. I hit the gym and play basketball regularly — so that helps me build up quite an appetite! Fortunately for me, there’s no shortage of great spots all within walking distance of our market. When I’m in the mood for pizza or great sandwiches, Hot Pie Pizza is like a block away and we can watch sports on the TVs. For Mexican food, there’s Rivales Taqueria and Craft Bar, which is also a block away. When I want to relax with friends and have some wine and small bites, we often head to The Blind Monk. These three restaurants are just a few of the examples of the literally dozens of great places that are nearby. I wish I could list them all!

How have you seen Downtown West Palm Beach evolve since you’ve been here? 

Downtown West Palm Beach has always been popular. But since the pandemic it has exploded because so many people from up north decided to move here to live and/or work Downtown. There’s so much new construction both happening now and on the horizon. I can’t wait to see what the future holds — because I envision it only getting better!

Meet Jason Lakow. He grew up in West Palm Beach and attended Alexander W. Dreyfoos School of the Arts in Downtown West Palm Beach. When he was 11, his family opened a restaurant in CityPlace which sparked his passion for the restaurant business. Since then, he has dedicated his career to the hospitality industry. After living in New York for several years, he and his wife moved back to Downtown West Palm Beach in 2014, where he became the General Manager at Café Boulud Palm Beach in the Brazilian Court Hotel. This is where he met his business partner Rick Mace — an accomplished executive chef whom he calls “the brains (and brawn!) behind our restaurants — including our Downtown West Palm Beach location, Tropical BBQ Market.”

How has being in Downtown West Palm Beach benefited business?

We have been so fortunate that the community has welcomed us. When we opened our Downtown location, Tropical BBQ Market, we wanted to create something that added value to the neighborhood. To us, that meant quick, healthy, fresh and accessible food for professionals and residents on the move.

What do you like most about Downtown West Palm Beach?

The energy is palpable here. It has a small-town feel in which everyone knows each other. Downtown West Pam Beach also manages to capture the energy of an emerging big city. It’s fun and very gratifying to operate in this neighborhood.

What do you do for fun in Downtown West Palm Beach?

We have a little one, so we have been spending a lot of time at some of our local parks. That aside, we do a ton of gardening. We collect rare plants and tropical fruit trees. We actually grow some of the produce for our cocktail bar, Juicy Cocktails, which is also in Downtown West Palm Beach right next to Tropical BBQ Market.

How has Downtown West Palm Beach evolved since you’ve been here?

Well, I have been around since the pre-CityPlace era, so Downtown West Palm Beach has gone through multiple redevelopments. It seems like every decade or so we have had a major change — and they’ve all been for the better. First, it was commerce. Then there was the residential boom. Now I think we are in an era of refinement and expansion. I think we will continue to see waves like this, which ultimately will expand the Downtown West Palm Beach area beyond what we think of as its current boundaries.

What would you say to someone considering a move to Downtown West Palm Beach?

We always tell people that Downtown West Palm Beach is the ideal mix of hustle and bustle — but with a vibe that also lets you slow down and enjoy your gorgeous surroundings. I think that’s part of what makes the Downtown West Palm Beach culture so unique here. We know how to work and play in our tropical paradise.

Meet Amelia Ostrosky, whose storied four-decade-long education career included stints as a principal at the elementary, middle and senior high school levels. She was the founding principal at Middle School of the Arts (now known as Bak Middle School of the Arts) and later served as principal of Alexander Dreyfoos School of the Arts — two schools widely considered to be the premiere educational gems in Palm Beach County. She’s also been a longtime resident of Downtown West Palm Beach, so she’s experienced firsthand its impressive growth.

How did you end up living in Downtown West Palm Beach?

When I was at Dreyfoos, I walked every morning at 5:30 a.m. with a group of staff members. One morning, my supervisor called me and said, “Amelia, there is going to be a new condo building Downtown and it is you!” His comment resonated with me, so after my walk that following Saturday, I checked out the sales office. Without hesitation, I walked in with my checkbook and placed a pre-construction deposit
on the Esplanade Grande. Three years later in April 2003, I moved in and never looked back.

What do you like most about living in Downtown West Palm Beach?

I love the vibrancy and the culture. I live within walking distance of Palm Beach Dramaworks and have the most beautiful view of the Intracoastal and the ocean, with beautiful sunrises and sunsets. The restaurants are great and I love visiting the bustling West Palm Beach
GreenMarket on Saturdays and going to the concerts on Sundays at the Meyer Amphitheater. And you can’t beat the convenience of being
so close to the airport, Brightline, Tri-Rail and Amtrak.

What do you do for fun in Downtown West Palm Beach?

When I’m not traveling with my partner Don Montano, I spend my time at The Yoga Society on Clematis Street. The Yoga Society has been a lifesaver for me as it has taught me to cherish the mind, body and soul. This studio overflows with positivity and challenges me physically and mentally.

How have you seen Downtown West Palm Beach evolve?

When I moved Downtown it was a city still finding its way. I enjoyed serving on the Downtown Development Authority board and the waterfront committee under the leadership of Lois Frankel, former Mayor of West Palm Beach. Over the two decades since I moved
here, Downtown West Palm Beach has become the place to be! Now we just have to manage our growth, so we can maintain our city’s
waterfront beauty and unmatched quality of life.