Lime Fresh Mexican Grill is the place to go when you want fresh Mexican food readily prepared and quickly served in a modern, friendly environment. Born on South Beach in 2004, the popular Lime brand has grown to national status, with a number of locations in South Florida. Representing the “fast-casual” Mexican food concept, Lime continues to win friends with its variety of tasty dishes. Their signature homemade salsa bar boasts seven fresh offerings from the mild to the very hot and more than 50 types of bottled hot sauces.
The fast-casual part of the experience is that you order the food at the counter, pay and take a seat. After that, the order is brought to you and service continues throughout the meal, whether you need more salsa, drinks or food. The ambiance is modern, clean, with upbeat music coming over the speakers and friendly, polite staff.
Grant Gussin, is the owner of two Lime locations, one across from Dadeland Mall and the other in West Kendall. Gussin, a real estate attorney by training, was looking for something new and different to do.
“I never imagined myself in the restaurant business,” said Gussin, who has named his business “Left Field Holdings” in honor of the baseball position he once played and for the notion that his new profession came from out of left field.
But, he kept hearing from prosperous people about the solid, successful business model Lime restaurants represented. The positive reviews and his own great dining experiences with Lime on South Beach convinced him to purchase his first place at Downtown Dadeland in April 2010. The Kendall restaurant opened in July 2012.
Gussin believes in the restaurant’s concept and in the principle of teamwork. “I couldn’t do this without all the people who work with me,” he said of the 80 people his businesses employ.
“We stress service and my awesome staff delivers that. Our restaurants have something for everyone because the menu is varied and we offer great drinks. Families and children are encouraged to come here to enjoy an affordable meal of healthy food,” said Gussin.
In addition to serving to a steady stream of restaurant clientele, Gussin is successful at catering Lime’s food to area businesses, offices and parties. And he believes it is essential to be a partner in the community. He helps to raise funds for local elementary and middle schools by donating 15 percent of an evening’s proceeds on a regular basis and sponsors sports teams.
Both of Gussin’s locations rely on repeat business and an ever-increasing business born by word of mouth. “I see the same customers in here two or three times a week,” said Gussin.
Lime has become a favorite after-work “go to” spot for beer, wine, and frozen margaritas and sangria. Stop in and enjoy a large order of chips with some of Lime’s fantastic salsas and kick back with friends and co-workers.
Says Gussin of his new-found profession, “I couldn’t have done it without my staff and my wife, Meredith. She handles all of our local marketing and keeps it all together with our three kids and my long and busy schedule.”
For more information, go to limefreshmexicangrill.com. Visit Lime in Downtown Dadeland at 9005 SW 72nd Place and at 12516 SW 88th Street in West Kendall.
