The Grill at The Grove Settles In at the Beach
A New Era for Hugh Taylor Birch State Park
Technically, The Grill at The Grove is on the edge of Hugh Taylor Birch State Park, but you can kind of see it through a grove (hence the name) of trees from State Road A1A on Fort Lauderdale beach, just north of Sunrise.
It’s been a year since The Grill at The Grove rose from the spot that once was Park & Ocean. After a (very quiet) soft opening in January 2024, it underwent a remodel and a menu redo and finally had its ribbon-cutting ceremony in November 2024.
Among the changes, it has:
- Refitted the kitchen and bar
- Refurbished the main dining area, patio, and dock
- Debuted a new menu
- Added an ice cream and coffee bar
“We had our work cut out for us from Day 1, but it was a challenge we were eager to accept and accomplish in order to manage the concession at this popular state park,” said Steffan Sonneveldt, chief operating officer with Kansas-based ExplorUS, a park concessionaire providing food and beverage, retail, recreational equipment rentals, event management, and park education services.
“Obviously, this all took time to complete and it would not have been feasible to do before taking on our contract before January 2024,” Sonneveldt added. “When all was said and done, we were so excited to unveil the finished product at the ribbon-cutting ceremony, as it was all an investment for the local community and out-of-town park visitors to enjoy.”
A Baja Cantina-Inspired Menu
The Grill at The Grove is the creation of Birch Hospitality LLC, a subsidiary of ExplorUS, which replaced BG Parks in December 2023. In the past, BG Parks had partnered with restaurateur Steven Dapuzzo (Sistrunk Marketplace, The House on The River, Wild Thyme) to own and operate Park & Ocean for 6 1/2 years.
Birch Hospitality/ExplorUS has a 10-year concessionaire agreement for The Grill at The Grove. The agreement also included renovating Birch State Park’s Garden Club and building a new dock at the Marina Building, among other upgrades.
A Q&A with Steffan Sonneveldt
Q: What was the attraction of this location?
A: Hugh Taylor Birch State Park is unique in that it offers all these services within a beautiful park setting, set within the popular destination of Fort Lauderdale. We are honored that our first park operation with the state of Florida is at Hugh Taylor.
Q: What are the changes to the menu?
A: We understand the flavors and demands of the local residents and park visitors. The overall theme of The Grill at The Grove is a Baja Cantina-inspired menu. The theme now lends to the intimate cantina vibe with the roots of an oceanic eatery, providing locals with the flavors and ambiance of a beachside getaway.
Q: What were the thoughts behind the new culinary direction?
A: The objective is to offer a small-plate culinary experience. We intend to provide the ability to mix and match flavors and menu items to create a great experience for our guests. You can expect zesty delights ranging from tacos and fresh seafood to bold flavors and a culinary fiesta for our visitors to enjoy.
Q: What can you tell me about the significantly different and expanded bar menu?
A: Our goal is to transport our visitors to a tropical paradise through the flavors and unique drinks offered. Selections feature traditional beachside beverages with a “Grove” twist to them, such as our Grove Punch and Grove Sunset. These colorful drinks are made with natural juices and tropical liquors like Myers’s Dark, Gold, and Coconut rums to create that inviting beachside vibe the park and area are known for. We also serve up vibrant frozen drinks with a resort feel to complement the beach destination. These new beverage offerings are all in line with The Grove’s theme of “Eat Drink & Play — In Paradise!”
Structural/Decor Changes
We were excited to partner with a local artist, who also volunteers at the park, to paint a custom mural on the walls throughout the concession building. Elements of the park’s native trees, plants, and wildlife are incorporated into the artwork. Additionally, we added an ice cream and coffee bar, remodeled the retail area to be more inviting, and installed new welcoming signage. You’ll also see that we’ve continued the playful beachside theme throughout The Grove with distinctive decor touches, such as the reclaimed surfboard countertops.
The Grill at The Grove’s Grand Opening
The Grill at The Grove is located at 3109 E. Sunrise Blvd., Fort Lauderdale (inside Hugh Taylor Birch State Park). Visit thegrovehughstaylorbirch.com/the-grill-at-the-grove or call 754-324-4660.
Conclusion
The Grill at The Grove is a unique dining and entertainment destination that offers something for everyone. With its beachside location, Baja Cantina-inspired menu, and expanded bar menu, it’s the perfect spot to relax and enjoy a meal or grab a quick bite. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, The Grill at The Grove is sure to become your new favorite spot.
FAQs
Q: What are the hours of operation for The Grill at The Grove?
A: The Grill at The Grove is open from 11am to 9pm, Monday through Thursday, and 11am to 10pm, Friday and Saturday.
Q: Do you offer catering services?
A: Yes, The Grill at The Grove offers catering services for events and parties. Please contact us at 754-324-4660 for more information.
Q: Can I reserve a table or make a reservation?
A: Yes, you can make a reservation by calling 754-324-4660 or by using our online reservation system.
Q: Do you have outdoor seating?
A: Yes, The Grill at The Grove has a large outdoor patio area with seating and a beautiful view of the surrounding area.
