Balan’s opened its first U.S. location on Lincoln Road in 1997 and spent more than two decades here. What made this the right moment to bring the Balan’s name back to the district?
Over the last five years, so many guests have asked about Balan’s on Lincoln Road and shared memories of their time there throughout its years on Lincoln Road. We have also seen such a strong response to our Brickell location and to an all-day neighborhood restaurant that works equally well for a casual breakfast, cocktails or dinner. With all the renewed energy around Lincoln Road, the timing felt right to bring the Balan’s name back to where our Miami story began. We have lost many great Miami Beach institutions, and when we got the opportunity to bring one back, we knew we had to!

What does it mean to reopen Balan’s at the same address where its Miami story began nearly 30 years ago?
It is incredibly special for our family. There aren’t many restaurants that get the opportunity to return to the exact place where their story began nearly three decades later. It feels very much like coming home, but it also feels like the beginning of something new. We are honored to bring this piece of Balan’s history back to Lincoln Road and to continue creating special moments for the Miami Beach community.

Lincoln Road has evolved considerably since Balan’s first opened in 1997. What changes have stood out to you, and what continues to make the district such a distinctive place to operate a restaurant?
Miami Beach has changed enormously. It has become much more international, and the restaurant scene has become far more sophisticated. But Lincoln Road still has something that is difficult to replicate elsewhere. There is a spontaneity to it. Miami Beach residents, families and international visitors all cross paths here. People wander and discover places they may not have planned to visit. That mix has always made it an exciting place to operate a restaurant.

What inspired the decision to transition the restaurant from Issabella’s back to Balan’s, and what did you miss most about the original concept?
We absolutely loved creating Issabella’s and are so thankful to all of our guests who supported it, but we felt Lincoln Road and Miami Beach were missing a true all-day casual restaurant with an international menu and a focus on quality. What we missed about Balan’s was its freedom. It doesn’t have to fit neatly into one category. It can be breakfast and coffee in the morning, oysters and wine in the afternoon, or dinner and cocktails in the evening. Bringing that personality back to this location felt very natural.

As second-generation owners, how are you carrying forward the Balan family’s legacy while putting your own stamp on this next chapter?
Although we are second-generation owners, we have been running the family business together for more than 10 years. Jonathan has been part of Balan’s for 20 years, starting out as a food runner at one of its London locations while he was in school and subsequently going on to work nearly every position in the restaurant. Keva has brought her passion for food, mixology, branding and design to the spaces. Together, we have always respected the essence of the brand while allowing it to evolve with us. That means updating the food, design and experience without losing its warmth and personality. As Jonathan’s father always said: The food has to be great, but the service has to be exceptional. For us, that will always be the core focus. At the end of the day, it is our name above the door, and that means something to us. We want people to walk into Balan’s and genuinely feel welcome.

Independent restaurants that remain connected to one neighborhood for nearly three decades are increasingly rare. What has allowed Balan’s relationship with Lincoln Road and the Miami Beach community to endure?
Restaurants are ultimately about people and relationships. Over the years, we have served generations of Miami Beach residents and visitors, and many of our team members and guests have been part of the Balan’s story for decades. Menus change and neighborhoods evolve, but people remember how a restaurant made them feel. Everyone in Miami seems to have a Balan’s story from some time in their lives, and it’s incredibly special to hear 1. Balan’s opened its first U.S. location on Lincoln Road in 1997 and spent more than two decades here. What made this the right moment to bring the Balan’s name back to the district? Over the last five years, so many guests have asked about Balan’s on Lincoln Road and shared memories of their time there throughout its years on Lincoln Road. We have also seen such a strong response to our Brickell location and to an all-day neighborhood restaurant that works equally well for a casual breakfast, cocktails or dinner. With all the renewed energy around Lincoln Road, the timing felt right to bring the Balan’s name back to where our Miami story began. We have lost many great Miami Beach institutions, and when we got the opportunity to bring one back, we knew we had to!