After debuting in Wynwood in 2023, Skinny Louie quickly found success thanks to its delicious smash burgers and milkshakes. Since then, it has opened more locations across Miami-Dade, including Coral Gables, Aventura, Little Havana, and South Miami, and expanded into the New York City market with five locales so far.
Now, the Broward Scene reports that Skinny Louie is planning a Fort Lauderdale outpost. The expansion is confirmed on Skinny Louie’s website, which lists Fort Lauderdale as “coming soon.” There’s no word yet on where exactly in Fort Lauderdale Skinny Louie will open, but according to the Broward Scene, Las Olas Boulevard is a likely contender.
This will be the restaurant’s second location in Broward County. It’s opening soon in Dania Beach at 23 S. Pointe Dr. as part of the Dania Pointe development. Beyond Broward County, Skinny Louie’s South Florida dominance also extends into West Palm Beach, where it opened a spot on Clematis Street in June.
An Award-Worthy Success Story
The restaurant’s success was really cemented during this year’s South Beach Wine & Food Festival, when the judges crowned it the best burger during Burger Bash. (It won the Schweid & Sons Very Best Burger Judges Award and a $2,500 check.) Owners Gonzalo Rubino, originally from Argentina, and Matias Palloni wowed the judges with the now-famous “Wagyu Louie,” a double-smashed wagyu beef burger layered with melted smoked gouda, truffle aioli, and pickled jalapeños, all hugged by a soft brioche bun. It was Rubino’s first Burger Bash win, and it solidified Skinny Louie’s place in Miami’s burger hall of fame.
Before that, Skinny Louie seemingly found success overnight thanks to its strong social media following. Its offerings went viral and helped promote the then-fledgling Wynwood spot. The restaurant currently has 64,000 followers on Instagram and 5,000 followers on TikTok…