🪑🎙️ IN THE HYPE SEAT: Steven Fondu On Taking Risks, Healthy Competition, and How He Built Jupiter's Hottest Restaurant - Ara
Jupiter’s Steven Fondu is the young visionary restauranteur behind hot spot, Ara on Cypress Drive. He joins In The Hype Seat podcast for an intimate episode with Holly Meyer Lucas where he unpacks how he became one of South Florida’s most prolific restaurant owners, what it was like creating Ara, how he feels about healthy competition among restaurants, and how he found his incredible chef, Kayla.
Steven Fondu: How He Created Jupiter’s Hottest Restaurant, Ara, How He Takes Risk, and Bringing NYC Hospitality to Jupiter, Florida 🔥
In episode 6 of In The Hype Seat, Holly Meyer Lucas sits down with Steven Fondu, the dynamic restaurateur behind Jupiter's hottest new restaurant – Ara, located down the street from Holly's The Mother Ship on "Cy Dri" (Cypress Drive in Jupiter, Florida).
Steven Fondu’s restaurant, Ara, is Jupiter’s hot spot, located on Cypress Drive, near Holly Meyer Lucas’ PodPlus Studio and Hype Boss headquarters
Steven’s journey from Furman University baseball player to thriving entrepreneur showcases his resilience, hustle, and a fearless approach to taking massive leaps of faith. He shares the candid, behind-the-scenes story of how Ara came to life, his unique approach to hospitality, and what it takes to successfully bring big-city vibes to a smaller community.
From the Baseball Diamond to Fine Dining Steven’s story begins in Westchester, NY, as the son of a successful restaurateur and a legendary mother who climbed the ranks to become President of L’Oréal. His upbringing taught him invaluable lessons in hustle, humility, and hospitality—qualities he carried with him onto the baseball field at Furman University and later into the vibrant restaurant scenes of New York City and South Florida.
How COVID & a Mentor Sparked Jupiter’s Coolest Spot Steven made the leap from New York City to South Florida in August 2020, seeking new opportunities amid the pandemic. While bartending at the acclaimed Stage restaurant in Palm Beach Gardens, Steven became friendly with a mentor who would become not just a friend but a pivotal financial partner in Ara. During a golf game, the said mentor received a text that Crosby Kitchen on Cypress Drive was for sale. They immediately dropped their golf clubs, rushed over to Cypress Drive, and made an offer the next day. This serendipitous moment coincided closely with Holly Meyer Lucas purchasing The Mother Ship, and together they built out their businesses on Cy Dri over the next year.
Steven On How They Bought Ara:
“We got the text saying the old Crosby was for sale, and we literally left our golf balls in the middle of the fairway and went to see it right away. I walked in and knew immediately—it was perfect. I could already see what Ara would become.”
As seen on TheRealDeal.com: Restaurateur Steven Fondu opens Mediterranean restaurant in Jupiter, Florida (“Ara”), with a kitchen helmed by French Laundry alum Kayla Casale.
Building Ara: More Than a Restaurant Ara’s creation wasn’t without risk—Steven invested every ounce of energy, capital, and passion he had into transforming the old Crosby Kitchen into Ara’s sleek, sexy vibe. He candidly shares the ups and downs of taking such a massive leap, including anxiety, adrenaline, and moments of doubt.
Ara quickly became Jupiter’s go-to for elevated Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, with a menu created alongside Chef Kayla, an exceptional talent who Steven discovered through serendipity at a Coral Gables restaurant.
“The first dish she made, I literally took one bite and started crying,” Steven confesses. “I knew she was the one.”
Why Steven’s Leadership Style Sets Ara Apart Steven approaches hospitality with intention, gratitude, and authenticity—values he learned from both his parents and his mentors. He personally greets guests at Ara, genuinely thankful they chose his restaurant over countless others. His emphasis on team culture, pooling tips, and relentless service excellence sets a new standard for Jupiter’s dining scene.
What’s Next for Ara & Steven Fondu Steven’s vision for Ara and Cy Dri goes beyond a single successful restaurant. He sees an opportunity to create an entire neighborhood hub of exceptional dining experiences, turning Jupiter into the next dining destination akin to Palm Beach.
“I don’t compete, I collaborate. Great restaurants should surround themselves with great restaurants—that’s how communities thrive,” Steven says, underscoring his collaborative spirit.
Why You Should Listen to This Podcast Episode:
If you’ve ever:
Dreamed of starting your own business or restaurant
Felt the adrenaline of taking a massive leap of faith
Wanted practical insights into leadership and hospitality
Wondered what it takes to bring a big-city dining experience to a smaller community
….Then this episode is for you.
Steven Fondu’s journey is proof that vision, risk, authenticity, and relentless dedication can create something truly special—even in places you least expect.
🎧 Listen to the full podcast episode: 👉 www.inthehypeseat.com
📺 Watch it on YouTube: 👉 In The Hype Seat with Steven Fondu
📸 Follow Ara: 👉 Instagram @arajupiter
📸 Connect with Holly Meyer Lucas: 👉 Instagram @holly.meyer.lucas
🔎 Tags:
Steven Fondu, Ara Restaurant, Jupiter dining, entrepreneurship, hospitality, restaurant industry, leadership, career pivots, taking risks, business lessons, building a brand, Palm Beach dining, restaurant owner, culinary scene
#InTheHypeSeat #StevenFondu #AraJupiter #Entrepreneurship #FineDining #Leadership #RestaurantSuccess #Hospitality #CareerPivot #BuildingABrand
