Tropical Smokehouse Opening Third Location In Delray Beach

DELRAY BEACH, FL — Tropical Smokehouse is preparing to open its newest location at 524 W. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach, FL 33444, marking the brand’s third restaurant and its first in Delray Beach. Founder Jason Lakow told Business Debut the team is targeting an early January opening after a brief delay tied to final inspections.

The Delray Beach restaurant builds on the concept Lakow and partner Rick Mace introduced in West Palm Beach in 2021, with an expanded layout and several features unique to this location.

What to Expect

Tropical Smokehouse describes its approach as Florida craft barbecue, with a focus on fish, poultry and pork alongside brisket and housemade sausages. The menu also includes spare ribs, a prime smash-style cheeseburger, salads and a shrimp burger made with Florida rock shrimp.

The Delray Beach location will seat approximately 125 guests total, including a large outdoor patio designed to feel like a backyard cookout. Smokers and cooking equipment will be visible to guests, adding to the open-kitchen experience.

Menu and Vision

Lakow said the Delray menu will closely mirror the West Palm Beach offerings while highlighting items that reflect South Florida flavors. A key addition exclusive to Delray Beach is jerk chicken cooked over direct heat, a dish the team developed to balance spice and sweetness without overwhelming heat.

“We like to say good groceries make better barbecue,” Lakow told Business Debut, noting the restaurant’s emphasis on sourcing and simple preparation.

Ownership and Background

Lakow began working in restaurants at age 11 and later studied hospitality management at Cornell University. After graduating in 2012, he spent several years in New York City fine dining before returning to South Florida to work with chef Daniel Boulud’s restaurant group.

Rick Mace, Tropical Smokehouse’s chef and pitmaster, previously served as executive chef at Café Boulud Palm Beach, where he and Lakow first worked together. Lakow said Mace originally developed the concept around Florida’s lesser-known barbecue traditions, which draw from centuries of cultural influences.

Opening Timeline

The restaurant was initially aiming to open shortly after the holidays but is now targeting January 4 or January 5, pending final approvals.

Hours

Closed Mondays.
Tuesday through Sunday, 11:30 a.m. – 9 p.m.

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