DECEMBER 1, 2023
Visitors to Hugh Taylor Birch State Park in Florida will soon be able to enjoy enhanced amenities, including an improved restaurant, updated event space, more options for recreational equipment rentals, and a new dock. Hospitality provider ExplorUS plans to improve the Park’s current concessions when its contract with the State begins in January 2024. The company’s No. 1 priority is to preserve the Park’s green spaces to ensure it retains its laid-back feel for visitors.
The Park is nestled in bustling Fort Lauderdale and is named after Hugh Taylor Birch, who donated his estate in 1941 to become a public park. The green oasis in the middle of urban development is nicknamed “Florida’s Central Park.” Visitors can escape the fast pace of city life and enjoy the secluded feel of the Park tucked between the Intercoastal Waterway and the surf and sand of the Atlantic Ocean.
A beachside restaurant and bar provide the perfect setting for diners to enjoy a delicious meal and sip a cocktail while watching the ocean waves roll in. Visitors can expect a seamless transition to ExplorUS management in January, and a new menu that will focus on local flavors and appeal to a wide range of palates. Blackened mahi, grouper tacos, conch fritters, and crab cakes will be highlighted, along with upgraded classics such as a beach burger and tuna nachos. Other favorites such as cheeseburgers, chicken tenders, and wings will also be on the menu.
The Park is a popular destination for weddings, receptions, meetings, and more. ExplorUS will focus on growing event services by making much-needed cosmetic improvements to the Garden Club Building, where many events are held. These changes will give the event space a more modern feel and encourage group gatherings.
Visitors will also have a better selection of souvenirs, gifts, and outdoor supplies in the retail space inside the restaurant building. The retail area will have new retail fixtures and an improved layout which will aid customer flow.
ExplorUS CEO Frank Pikus said the company is excited to work with the Park’s citizen support organization, the Friends of Birch State Park, to promote the conservation and preservation of the Park. He added, “Hugh Taylor Birch State Park has such a unique and rich history, and we are honored to continue traditions while enhancing amenities. Visitors will be pleased with our improvements, which will boost their Park experience. We have tremendous respect for the State of Florida and are ready to serve as a valuable partner.”
At each of its concession locations, ExplorUS hires staff from the local community and works with regional vendors and community leaders to ensure the site remains a treasured landmark.
ExplorUS has nearly 30 years of experience elevating visitor experiences in areas such as food and beverage, retail, equipment rentals, event management, lodging, campgrounds, day-use areas, interpretive services, and marinas.
For more information about ExplorUS, visit goExplorUS.com.