Empire Steak House Brings New York Legacy to Booming Delray Beach

DELRAY BEACH, Fla. – October 23, 2026 – The post-pandemic migration of prominent New York hospitality brands to South Florida continues unabated. In the latest high-profile move, Empire Steak House has announced its expansion into the vibrant downtown corridor of Delray Beach. The family-owned restaurant group, founded by the Sinanaj brothers, is preparing to open its first Florida location at 432 East Atlantic Avenue, securing one of the most coveted retail addresses in Palm Beach County.

The impending arrival of the celebrated New York steakhouse marks a significant transition for the local dining ecosystem. Taking over the storefront previously occupied by the beloved CUT 432 Steakhouse, the new establishment underscores a broader transformation reshaping the region's commercial real estate landscape. As affluent transplants and tourists continue to flock to the area, South Florida is increasingly cementing its reputation as "New York's sixth borough," drawing well-capitalized, multi-unit restaurant brands eager to cater to a familiar, high-spending demographic.

Out With the Local Favorite, In With the Brand

The address at 432 East Atlantic Avenue is not just another vacant storefront; it is a prime indicator of the shifting economic realities in downtown Delray Beach. For 18 years, the space was home to CUT 432, a staple of the city's culinary core. However, the beloved local independent closed its doors at the end of April, a casualty of the very economic boom that has made the avenue so desirable.

Industry insiders note that the primary catalyst for CUT 432's departure was a staggering rent increase, reportedly exceeding $100,000 annually, which the previous ownership ultimately decided not to absorb. This closure highlights the intense corporate retail pressure currently squeezing independent operators. Atlantic Avenue has evolved into one of South Florida’s best-performing main-street retail corridors, with recent commercial property transactions commanding premium pricing—sometimes reaching up to $1,640 per square foot.

In this hyper-competitive real estate environment, only heavily capitalized, multi-unit brands possess the financial fortitude to absorb skyrocketing operating costs. The transition from a standalone local favorite to an internationally expanding brand like Empire perfectly encapsulates this market dynamic. Commercial real estate brokers observing the avenue note that the demand for well-located properties remains exceptionally high, driven by the continuous influx of wealth into Palm Beach County.

The Migration Continues: Doubling Down on South Florida

Empire's strategic move into Delray Beach is symptomatic of a much larger, industry-wide trend. The cultural and economic connection between New York and Miami has been thrown into overdrive over the past few years. High-end dining establishments are aggressively following their clientele southward, transforming the culinary landscape of the Sunshine State.

This migration features a who's-who of the Northeast's culinary scene. Concepts that once defined Manhattan dining are now ubiquitous across Miami, West Palm Beach, and Delray. The strategy is clear: capture the affluent New Yorkers who relocated during the pandemic and cater to the booming luxury tourism sector. By establishing a foothold on Atlantic Avenue, the Sinanaj brothers are tapping into a concentrated pool of high-net-worth individuals who already understand and value traditional, premium steakhouse experiences.

Local municipal policy observers and the Delray Beach Downtown Development Authority consistently view these new arrivals as indicators of a healthy, dynamic downtown. While the loss of legacy businesses is mourned, the continuous injection of fresh capital and renowned culinary brands ensures that the avenue remains a premier destination for luxury consumers.

From Peter Luger Waiters to Global Restaurateurs

Behind the corporate expansion lies a compelling narrative of industry ascent. The ESH Restaurant Group is spearheaded by co-founders and brothers Jeff, Jack, and Russ Sinanaj. Their journey in the hospitality sector spans more than two decades, but their foundational education took place long before they opened their first independent venture.

The brothers spent years working as waiters at Brooklyn’s legendary Peter Luger Steak House. It was within those storied walls that they mastered the rigorous traditions of exceptional meat preparation, the science of dry-aging USDA Prime beef, and the delivery of authentic, attentive New York hospitality. This rigorous apprenticeship serves as the bedrock of their current enterprise.

"Our family has dedicated over 21 years to building our restaurant business, but our passion for hospitality started long before that, during our years at Peter Luger in New York," said Jack Sinanaj, Co-Founder of Empire Steak House. "Opening in Delray Beach is a proud moment for our family. We're excited to bring the authentic New York steakhouse experience, exceptional quality, and personal hospitality that our guests have come to know and love."

Driven by ambition, the brothers transitioned from servers to proprietors, systematically building a brand that honors classic steakhouse sophistication while adapting to modern luxury standards.

A Proven Track Record Beyond the Big Apple

While moving into the highly competitive South Florida market presents unique challenges, the Sinanaj brothers are not strangers to successful geographic diversification. Over the past 21-plus years, they have expanded their enterprise far beyond the five boroughs, proving their operational consistency in demanding international and resort markets.

In Honolulu, Hawaii, the group launched a location on the Sky Floor of the Ilikai Hotel in Waikiki. That outpost successfully blended the brand's signature USDA Prime dry-aged steaks and extensive wine lists with a brighter, contemporary design suited to a coastal milieu. It quickly established itself as a top contender in Honolulu's competitive luxury dining space, proving the brand's elasticity.

Similarly, the brand's 2017 expansion into Tokyo, Japan, demonstrated an ability to execute at a high level overseas. Situated in the Candeo Hotel in Roppongi, the Tokyo location has been recognized by the Zagat Survey for nine consecutive years. It is celebrated for its luxurious 1920s New York-inspired decor and impeccable service, proving that the classic American steakhouse experience, when executed authentically, possesses immense global appeal.

The Delray Beach location is expected to follow this blueprint, blending the timeless sophistication of a classic New York dining room with the welcoming, coastal lifestyle of South Florida.

Navigating Palm Beach County's Culinary Boom

As the "Coming Soon" signs go up at 432 East Atlantic Avenue, Empire Steak House prepares to enter a fiercely competitive local landscape. Palm Beach County's appetite for high-end steakhouses is substantial, but the market is rapidly approaching a state of high density.

Downtown Delray Beach is in the midst of a broader culinary renaissance. Major mixed-use developments are bringing a wave of new dining concepts. The upcoming Sundy Village project at Atlantic and Swinton is set to introduce several high-profile restaurants, including a Japanese izakaya and a French all-day café. Furthermore, Michelin-starred Chef Michael Mina is slated to open Bourbon Steak at The Seagate, just down the street from the new Empire location.

To thrive in this bustling environment, the Sinanaj brothers will need to leverage their extensive operational experience and the built-in brand equity they carry from New York. Their signature premium cuts, celebrated porterhouses, and fresh seafood will be tested against both established local heavyweights and incoming celebrity chef concepts.

Ultimately, the arrival of Empire Steak House signifies the maturation of Delray Beach's commercial and culinary profile. The transformation of a beloved local corner into an internationally recognized steakhouse outpost reflects the broader economic forces reshaping South Florida—a region that continues to redefine itself as a global destination for luxury hospitality and premier real estate investment.