Sun Sentinel Palm Beach Edition
Dwyane Wade, Udonis Haslem announce closure of restaurant 800 Degrees Woodfired Kitchen
You’d think it would be a slam dunk for big ballers like Udonis Haslem and Dwyane Wade, but this morning the Miami Heat legends announced they are closing their restaurant 800 Degrees Woodfired Kitchen in Aventura.
Citing “labor shortages, supply chain issues and more” caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, posts on the eatery’s website, 800degreesaventura.com, as well as its Facebook and Instagram accounts say that the two business partners have concluded the business has become “unsustainable at this time.”
The announcement goes on to say, “our team has put their heart and soul into the restaurant” and “first and foremost, we want to share our sincerest appreciation and gratitude for our hardworking and dedicated team members. We also want to thank the community of Aventura for embracing us, as well as all our guests who dined with us over the years.”
800 Degrees Woodfired Kitchen opened almost four years ago at 2956 NE 199th St., in the Aventura Shopping Center, which is adjacent to Aventura Mall.
The 800 Degrees brand started in Los Angeles in 2011, the creation of chef Anthony Carron, and expanded into multiple locations throughout the country. Back in September 2018, when “D-Wade” and “UD” first opened their franchised restaurant, there was talk of a second South Florida location in the downtown Miami Brightline train station.
Wade and Haslem put their own stamp on the Aventura restaurant with the “D-Wade burger” and “UD chicken wings” appearing on the menu.
In the statement’s conclusion, the two hoopsters leave the door open for 800 Degrees Kitchen’s future in SoFlo by saying they want to “...take some time to reevaluate operations and the space” and “while we are closing Aventura’s franchise location to reassess, we proudly remain global partners for the 800 Degrees corporate brand.”
They conclude with: “Thank you for your loyalty and support. We will miss serving you, but we have more in store for you, Miami. — D.Wade and UD.”