Golden Fig Closes Temporarily for Repairs, Lease Negotiations

Just nine months after it opened, Golden Fig has closed its doors, albeit temporarily. 

The South Miami Avenue restaurant posted a message on its Facebook page a few weeks ago that the closure would be due to equipment issues, but circumstances go beyond basic repairs.

Golden Fig's owner, Michael Sullivan, tells New Times he's in negotiations with his landlord but is hopeful about the restaurant's future. "At the moment, we are closed. We knew we had to take a break for a second. We made the decision to close the Fig."

Sullivan says that although he and the building owner have "an amazing relationship," the lease was up for renewal. "It's a business at the end of the day."

Will Golden Fig reopen? "Honestly, at the moment, we're not sure. It has to do with the lease." Sullivan says that if everything can be worked out, he will stay at that location. "We have been superpleased with the accomplishments we made with the space and our employees."

Golden Fig opened in July 2015, replacing Sullivan's popular gastropub, OTC, at the same location. The intent was to have the OTC concept evolve and "grow up," and Sullivan hired chef Tomas Prado to take over the kitchen. Prado's resumé boasts stints at the Bazaar, DB Bistro Moderne, Café Boulud, and My Ceviche. Prado's menu included house-made lardo, duck prosciutto, and even his own condiments. 

While Golden Fig remains shuttered, Prado has amicably parted ways with the restaurant. Both the chef and the restaurateur say nothing but good things about each other. Prado recently went on a culinary journey that took him to some of the finest restaurants in New York City and Charleston, including a meal and some bourbon at Husk. 

Sullivan still seems certain things will work out for Golden Fig. "Right now I'm not focused on anything other than what's going on in that space." Stay tuned to New Times for updates on this Brickell favorite.