Beloved Florida Restaurant Closes Its Doors After 25 Years, Steakhouse Set to Move In

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After serving the Fort Lauderdale community for over 25 years, Canyon restaurant has officially closed its doors, making way for a new culinary experience. The beloved dining spot, known for its Southwestern flavors and loyal following, will be replaced by Daniel’s, a steakhouse from the Miami-based Gioia Hospitality Group.

A New Chapter Begins

Canyon, which operated at two different locations over its decades-long run, closed its latest venue at 620 S. Federal Highway this past weekend. In its place, Daniel’s, A Florida Steakhouse, is set to open in October, bringing with it the culinary expertise of Thomas Angelo, owner of the acclaimed Fiola Italian restaurant in Coral Gables, which has been recommended by the Michelin Guide.

For Angelo, this venture is more than just expanding his business; it’s a return to his roots. Having raised his children in Fort Lauderdale, he’s eager to reconnect with the city’s vibrant dining scene. “Every community has its own ecosystem,” Angelo noted, expressing his commitment to understanding and meeting the unique needs of Broward County diners. “We’ll pay close attention to that just as we did in Coral Gables.”

A Seamless Transition

Mike Linder, owner of Canyon and SFL Hospitality Group, described the agreement with Angelo’s team as “more than just a sale.” He sees it as a “passing of the torch” to a brand that upholds the same values of excellence and creativity that Canyon was known for. SFL Hospitality took to social media to announce Canyon’s closure, thanking customers, staff, and partners for their support over the years. The group will now focus on its other successful ventures in Broward County, including South Bar & Kitchen in Pompano Beach and YOT Bar & Kitchen in Fort Lauderdale.

“Canyon has been more than just a dining destination; it’s been a gathering place where memories were made and friendships were forged,” the post read. “It’s incredibly hard to say goodbye, but we believe it’s time for us to embark on a new chapter.”

Daniel’s: A Taste of What’s to Come

Daniel’s steakhouse promises to be a fresh and exciting addition to Fort Lauderdale’s dining landscape. The restaurant will focus on locally-sourced meats, fish, and produce, with an aim to source 50 to 60 percent of its ingredients from Florida. Angelo has tapped Fiola’s executive chef, Daniel Ganem, to lead the kitchen at Daniel’s. Ganem, who is known for his innovative approach to cuisine, has crafted a menu that will include a special “meat omakase” experience, featuring different cuts of steak.

Ganem is enthusiastic about the challenge of overseeing two restaurants, emphasizing the importance of organization and teamwork. “It’s pretty fun just to work with so many things,” he said. “My mission is to wow every guest, to have people come in and say ‘Wow, that was spectacular!’ when they leave.”

Daniel’s is the first of several new concepts planned by Gioia Hospitality Group, with more exciting developments on the horizon. Next year, Ganem will also take on the role of executive chef at La Cala, an upscale waterfront Italian restaurant that Gioia Hospitality plans to open in Coconut Grove’s Grove Isle development.

As Fort Lauderdale says goodbye to Canyon, the city eagerly anticipates the arrival of Daniel’s and the innovative dining experiences it promises to bring. With its focus on local sourcing and culinary excellence, Daniel’s is set to become a new favorite in the city’s evolving food scene.