Big City Tavern, the tavern-style restaurant that has anchored East Las Olas Boulevard for a quarter century, is closing its doors on September 30. The Fort Lauderdale institution announced the news in an Instagram story, thanking guests, employees and the community for their support without giving a specific reason for the shutdown.
The restaurant, located at 609 E. Las Olas Blvd., has operated for 25 years, according to WPLG Local 10. In its announcement, the restaurant wrote, “As we prepare to close our doors, we’re raising a glass to the guests, team members and community who made Big City Tavern what it is. Join us for one last bite,” and encouraged customers to stop by before time runs out.
Big City Tavern has operated at 609 E. Las Olas Blvd. for 25 years, according to WPLG Local 10. Big Time Restaurant Group is also mentioned in connection with the careers of Louie Bossi and Ladanna Bennett.
A Launching Pad for Las Olas Talent
Before he became a household name in South Florida dining, self-taught chef Louie Bossi served as Executive Chef at Big City Tavern, according to World Pizza Champions. Bossi started as a grill cook with Big Time Restaurant Group in 2000 before rising through the ranks, eventually co-founding his namesake Louie Bossi's Ristorante, Bar & Pizzeria further down Las Olas Boulevard in June 2015.
More recently, Executive Chef Ladanna Bennett, a native of Jamaica, took over kitchen leadership at Big City Tavern after working her way up from line supervisor through Big Time Restaurant Group, becoming one of the few female executive chefs in South Florida, as detailed by Medium. Her career path, like Bossi's, included working through the company.
Brunch, Late Nights and a Loyal Following
The restaurant served tavern fare and listed hours of 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, according to available dining listings.
The restaurant was part of Fort Lauderdale's dining scene, underscoring how long the tavern's food had been associated with the neighborhood.
Turnover Along a Changing Corridor
Big City Tavern's closure comes during a period of notable turnover on Las Olas Boulevard in 2026, alongside upcoming luxury arrivals such as Amal, Caviar Club and NAIA, per Miami New Times.
At the same time, Fort Lauderdale's downtown restaurant market has seen growth across four corridors, including new developments like the Las Olas Marina, anchored by Ocean Prime, and Huizenga Park, anchored by Sweetwaters, according to Red Pin Realty. Those multi-use developments represent restaurant activity outside the traditional single-corridor strip that Big City Tavern helped define.
What Comes Next for the Address
Big City Tavern did not cite a formal reason for closing in its Instagram announcement. The announcement did not provide further details about the future of 609 E. Las Olas Blvd.
Big Time Restaurant Group is mentioned in connection with Louie Bossi's Ristorante, while Big City Tavern prepares for its final service before the September 30 close.
