9 July 31 - August 6, 2025 miaminewtimes.com | browardpalmbeach.com NEW TIMES | CONTENTS | LETTERS | NEWS | NIGHT+DAY | CULTURE | CAFE | MUSIC | BRUNCH EVERY SAT & SUN BEST WATERFRONT VIEWS IN MIAMI 3201 RICKENBACKER CWY, KEY BISCAYNE, FL 33149 | 305.361.3818 WWW.THERUSTYPELICAN.COM BE SOCIAL WITH US! /RUSTYPELICANMIAMI Month XX–Month XX, 2008 miaminewtimes.com MIAMI NEW TIMES | CONTENTS | LETTERS | RIPTIDE | METRO | NIGHT+DAY | STAGE | ART | FILM | CAFE | MUSIC | ▼ SOUTH MIAMI SUSHI MAKI FLAGSHIP CLOSES AFTER 25 YEARS For as long as I can remember, I’ve driven past a familiar sushi spot every time I’ve ever made the trek to South Miami to watch a movie at the AMC Sunset Place 24 movie theater. The sushi spot always had customers en- joying their meals at the outdoor tables along the sidewalk. The dining room, although noth- ing extraordinary, was consistently clean and inviting, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows that allowed passersby to peek inside. It was a popular hangout for local middle school and high school students who would eat there af- ter tutoring sessions at the nearby Starbucks. Couples also frequented the restaurant for af- fordable dining, and the chicken teriyaki dish was a favorite among those who were not fans of California rolls or sushi in general. Oh, kids! I’m talking about the Sushi Maki along Sunset Drive at 5812 Sunset Dr., which has just closed its doors after 25 years in South Miami. Founded in 2000, this location was the sushi chain’s first-ever store, which is a huge deal for a company that has since grown into a giant whole- sale and catering business in South Florida, in addition to its restaurant model. But its story might be even more inspiring than its success. Sushi Maki’s story begins with the Ng fami- ly’s journey from Hong Kong to Miami, where patriarch Allan Ng arrived with just $70, a high school education, and an unwavering work ethic, according to the restaurant. Starting with a modest Chinese takeout spot, Allan built what would become the successful Canton Chinese Restaurants brand, which at one point was all over Miami, including in Pinecrest. His son, Abe Ng, inspired by his father’s tenacity and entrepreneurial spirit, returned home af- ter graduating from Cornell University to take the family business in a bold new direction. In 2000, he opened the first Sushi Maki in South Miami, determined to make sushi more accessible and mainstream in a city bet- ter known for its cafecito than its sashimi. After reading the online version of this story, Abe emailed New Times and provided a statement: “This store was indeed our very first and holds many special memories for us. We have loved being on Sunset Drive all of these years and watching this neighborhood grow and transform. It was with a heavy heart that we made this difficult decision. Life — and espe- cially the restaurant business — is full of tough choices, and we have faith the future will con- tinue to bring more opportunities. I am an op- timistic realist, and I truly believe that Sushi Maki’s best years are still ahead of us.” With 12 locations and 12 market stations in partnership with Whole Foods, Abe’s mission remains clear: to bring fresh, feel-good sushi and positive vibes to as many people as possible. Judging by the loyal following and recent New Times’ win of Readers’ Choice Best Catering 2024, he’s just getting started. NICOLE LOPEZ-ALVAR ▼ CORAL GABLES THIS JUST IN: DRINK NOW, PAY LATER AT DUFFY’S TAVERN Duffy’s Tavern has accepted only cash since opening in 1955. Last week, that changed. In an Instagram post shared on July 24, the longtime Miami bar and restaurant announced that it now takes credit cards. A photo shows the tavern’s marquee sign, located along Red Road just west of Coral Gables, updated with the message: “Yes, credit cards at Duffy’s!” The caption reads: “If you’ve ever said, ‘I’d love to go but I never carry cash...it’s your time.” Comments poured in from customers past and present. “Welcome to the ‘90s!” one wrote. “End of an era,” said another. Some in- sisted they’d keep paying in cash out of habit. Duffy’s opened inside a 1929-built resi- dence at 2108 SW 57th Ave. Originally run by Martin Duffy, the business has been owned by Wayne Russell since 1984. It’s known for its no-frills food, sports-heavy décor, and a loyal crowd of locals, including many Univer- sity of Miami and Miami Dolphins fans. The bar has long been a Friday night standby, a college football hangout, and a reli- able go-to spot for burgers, hot dogs, wings, and chili. The walls are lined with sports ban- ners and memorabilia, and the menu has stayed largely the same. In many people’s minds, the cash-only rule was a fixed part of the experience. In July 2024, New Times reported that the Duffy’s property had sold for $4.5 million to Greenway Point, LLC. Russell and his busi- ness partner, who own the building and land, are staying on as tenants for now. At the time, Russell said he had no plans to relocate or re- open elsewhere. “I talk to God, and I say, ‘God, you want me here, and I’ll stay here. If I can do better, then you’ll let me know,” he said. Since the sale, the tavern has continued to run as usual. The same staff, same menu, same regulars. Nothing on the surface has changed, aside from the sudden appearance of a card reader. There has been no an- nouncement about redevelopment or a time- line for any changes to the site. For now, Duffy’s remains in place and open daily. Duffy’s Tavern. 2108 SW 57th Ave., Miami; 305-264-6580; duffystavernmiami.com. OLEE FOWLER | TASTE TEST | ▼ Café Sushi Maki photo Sushi Maki’s avocado- wrapped shrimp tempura roll
