Founders of JEY Hospitality Marc Falsetto and Charles Hazlett. FORT LAUDERDALE, FL -- Owners of JEY Hospitality, Marc Falsetto and Charles Hazlett have a vision to bring people back to 2nd Street. The pair has set their sites on changing the look and feel of the street, and aim to do that one new concept at a time. Taking inspiration from cities like Boston, Chicago, and Austin, they believe that with the right retail mix, 2nd Street can once again become a main attraction in Fort Lauderdale.

Their campaign began with Rok:Brgr, Fort Lauderdale’s first gourmet burger and gastropub concept in 2010. Since their opening, Rok:Brgr, known for their craft cocktails, and exceptional burgers, has gained a cult following of young professionals and consistently received the distinction of Best Burger in Broward year after year.

“We had seen the gourmet burger trend popping up in cities across the US, and jumped at the opportunity to be the first to bring it to Fort Lauderdale. Even though we looked at locations in South Beach, Wynwood, and Brickell, we chose Fort Lauderdale because we saw the potential in their downtown scene,” explains Marc Falsetto.

The team’s next project will take on one of the anchor positions on the street, 201 SW 2nd Street, the 5,000 square foot corner location adjacent to Tarpon Bend, which the new owners believe is the best location in Fort Lauderdale.

JEY Hospitality’s newest concept, Himmarshee Public House, is an American Tavern serving global comfort food, craft beer and cocktails. They will open their doors in early November 2013 with an entirely new build out, Fort Lauderdale’s largest center bar featuring over 100 craft beers, lounge areas with bottle service, and a sophisticated “sports lounge” feel featuring a 5’X10’ LED Projection Wall and over 30 flat screens lining the interior.

“We’ve taken the best components that Fort Lauderdale nightlife has to offer, and brought them to one spacious and state of the art venue in the heart of Downtown. This location has just been waiting for the right concept—and we are so excited to introduce Public House to the neighborhood.”