Wednesdays at Sushi Fly Chicken

Photography by Martin Medina on September 1st, 2021 in Celebrity, Food, Labor Day Weekend 2021, Nightlife

David Grutman & Nicky Jam

Miami Beach, FL – September 1, 2021 – On Wednesday night, Groot Hospitality proudly celebrated the opening of Sushi Fly Chicken—known as SFC for short—on Miami Beach’s Alton Road.

SFC is a brand new restaurant, bar and lounge that reflects unique elements of diverse Asian cultures and cuisines while intertwining them with a Miami spin. The concept is helmed by Tony Mai, who serves as SFC’s Executive Sushi Chef, and Ryan Lithgow, SFC’s Chef de Cuisine.

At first glance, SFC appears to solely be a takeout restaurant (it also holds an outdoor seating area, set along Alton Road). This tiled, stark-white storefront will indeed fulfill takeaway and delivery orders.

Yet there is a secret behind the takeout counter. Entering through a swinging door, guests will find themselves whisked away to a low-lit and ultra-sleek chamber, reminiscent of the exclusive, unlisted watering holes that are tucked around Tokyo’s Roppongi and Ginza neighborhoods. In this clandestine dining room, a neon and steel-clad bar is backlit by a 75-foot-long mural by the Miami-based artist Santlov. The piece contains collaged animé and manga figures, which morph across the expanse in a rainbow ombré wave. Plush banquettes flank the opposing wall to provide for optimal people-watching, while tabletops fill the space between.

“When it comes to restaurants, I’ve always loved the idea of ‘a secret behind the counter.’ With SFC, we’re making it happen,” says Groot Hospitality’s David Grutman. “You’re transported to this rock-’n-roll world of Tokyo’s nightlife, complete with great food, cocktails, and a one-of-a-kind vibe. You won’t find anything else like it in Miami.”

SFC’s menu is influenced by a range of Asian cuisines, and it takes significant inspiration from Japan’s culinary scene around fried chicken. From the small plate selection Lobster Prawn Toast and Hokkaido Scallop are highlights, while main course dishes like Spicy Lobster Robata with Caviar, Peking Duck Bao Dumplings, mixed Nigiri Platters and fried chicken served in Southern, Thai or Korean styles deliciously represent SFC’s hybridized premise. A 4-course Chef’s Omakase, starting at just $48, completes the experience.

SFC’s bar offers top-flight liquors and bespoke cocktails, as well as a selection of premium Japanese whiskeys. Custom libations include a Yuzu Margarita and a new twist on a Szechuan-Peppercorn Lychee Martini. The backroom will also feature a rotating list of DJ’s and entertainment to keep the atmosphere dynamic, vibrant and constantly in motion.

Conceived of by design firm ICRAVE, SFC’s design is meant to be entirely transportive: From brightly lit street-front to discreet hideaway, it captures a cross-section of nonstop, thrilling urbane life (and provides everything from a quick to-go snack to premium Japanese whiskeys for a nightcap, in tandem).

Sushi Fly Chicken is one of three new Groot Hospitality venues at 1575 Alton Road, the others being Winker’s Diner and Toothfairy.