Emily’s Garden: A Charming Destination in Downtown Fort Lauderdale
A Family Affair
Pamela and Peter Deibele sit at a wrought-iron table in the cozy al fresco area of Emily’s Garden, enjoying the vibrant atmosphere. The sounds of a DJ playing chill music, the smell of food being passed around by servers, and the afterglow from a rainstorm that occurred two hours prior create a captivating ambiance.
"I think it’s charming," Pamela says. "It reminds me of an Italian garden. It’s like a little courtyard that’s hidden. And the bocce ball, of course. Who doesn’t want to play bocce ball?"
A Unique Concept
Emily’s Garden is a collaborative effort between the Mele brothers, who are also behind the Pummarola Pizzeria Napoletana concept. The family has transformed the former O-B House space in downtown Fort Lauderdale’s Himmarshee Village into a vibrant destination that offers a variety of fare from various vendors.
"What we plan to do here is put together some great artists in the food industry," explains Larry Mele. "So we got the best coffee, which is On The Run Coffee Bar and pizza, the best pizza from Pummarola. We have a guy from Miami called Burgermeister, who does an incredible burger. And we have, in the kitchen from Boca Raton, Patio Tapas & Beer, and breakfast and lunch with chef Diego [Pasqualicchio], who is an Italian chef … Fernando Mato is the executive chef supervising all vendors."
A Hub for Socializing
The Mele brothers aim to create a space where people can socialize and enjoy different types of food. "Some people can eat a burger, we have pizza, we have coffee, tapas and wine … 300 different wines," Davis Mele says. "In a couple of months, we’re ready to sell drinks, a full bar. For me, it’s like Disney World."
The Visionaries Behind Emily’s Garden
The Mele family has a background in the food industry, with seven brothers running the Pummarola Pizzeria brand throughout the tricounty area and in Spain. Their secret to success lies in their family’s values and business model.
"We are a big family," Davis explains. "We’re busy, but I think Pummarola has a secret … We allow up to 60% of any concept that we build to be owned by the employees. So just like Pummarola here [in Fort Lauderdale], I think employees own 70%. So we kept 30% and therefore it’s not a problem finding employees because they are partners."
The Story Behind the Name
The Mele brothers may be a big family, but there is no one named Emily. The restaurant’s moniker comes from a dog. Specifically, it’s the dog of former property owner Amanda Mercede.
"There was a big developer who wanted the property, but she was very attached to it. It was like, ‘No, I’m not going to sell it to them. I’ll sell it to you,’" Larry Mele explains. The only condition was that they keep the garden space. The Meles went one step further.
"The owner of this property had a dog, Emily, very sweet. It’s a dalmatian," Larry Mele says. "So I say, look, I’ll call it Emily’s Garden."
Conclusion
Emily’s Garden is a charming destination in downtown Fort Lauderdale, offering a unique blend of food, music, and atmosphere. With its outdoor space, bocce ball court, and variety of vendors, it’s the perfect spot for families, friends, and foodies alike. Stop by and experience it for yourself.
FAQs
Q: What is Emily’s Garden?
A: Emily’s Garden is a collaborative effort between the Mele brothers, who also own the Pummarola Pizzeria Napoletana concept.
Q: What is the concept behind Emily’s Garden?
A: The Mele brothers aim to create a space where people can socialize and enjoy different types of food. They have partnered with various vendors to offer a variety of fare, including coffee, pizza, burgers, and more.
Q: Is Emily’s Garden a family-friendly destination?
A: Yes, Emily’s Garden is a family-friendly destination, with a bocce ball court and a variety of activities for all ages.
Q: Can I reserve a table?
A: Yes, reservations can be made by calling 954-955-9582 or visiting emilysgarden.us.
