You'll Be Thankful, Too: When You Sip Or Sup At Thanks To Harrison

"We call it European fusion," said Smyrnov. "Food from Italy, France, Spain... even some Ukrainian!

"There will be a breakfast/lunch menu, then a lunch/dinner menu, with more meat and fish. The whole place will be set up with different areas, different menus, different atmospheres," he continued. "The concept of this place is to have something for everyone, give good service and products to everyone, and have everyone be comfortable here at any time of day."

Smyrnov came to South Florida about 12 years ago after graduating from university. He worked for several years in Immigration Law, then was selling Real Estate when he took the opportunity to become a partner in a Miami Sushi/Thai restaurant. This grew into Hoshi Sushi, which soon expanded to three locations, one just a few doors away at 1935 Harrison Street.

After spending some time on Harrison Street, (and of course falling in love with Downtown Hollywood), he began collaborating with his old friend Yevtushenko, who had recently arrived in Florida, to open Thanks To Harrison. Smyrnov credits Yevtushenko, an International Marketing Executive in Ukraine, with the vision and knowledge to have designed and created the multi-functional space in record time for a speedy opening.

"One thing we think Hollywood needs is a real European-style Cafe," said Yevtushenko. "There are some really good coffee spots here, but with Thanks To Harrison, we want the customers to become more involved in the 'culture.' We bring in the best beans, and a consultant to help us buy the best machines and train the staff. It's the same thing with the wines and the cocktails -- history and culture. We have wine experts on call, and world-class mixology masters to design our cocktails."

At Thanks To Harrison, Smyrnov says, the focus is on the customer.

"We want people to say they're coming here because of the quality of the food, the cocktails, the coffee -- we want to do something that we can be proud of. To us, the first thought is not about how much money we can make but what can we do, what can we give people, to make them happy? We choose to give a good product."

A few things that the partners expect to be big hits are, for breakfast, Syrnyky: Cottage Cheese Pancakes with Cherries, Brie Cream and Salted Caramel ($19); for lunch/dinner, Fillet Rossini: topped with Foie Gras, ($62); and Red Snapper: Fillet with Tuna Mousse and Caviar on top ($38).

Designer Cocktails include the Port of Havana (White Port, Lime Juice, Vanilla Syrup, Angostura Bitters, Grapefruit Bitters) ($16) and the Redspresso Martini (Pinot Noir, Stout Syrup, Espresso) ($17).

The owners of Thanks To Harrison see many opportunities in Hollywood.

"In our opinions, Hollywood is ready for some new restaurants and new ideas to complement all the good ones that are already here," believes Yevtushenko. "That should be exciting for all those who live here, and bring people from other areas, too."

So, what's with that name?

"We were playing with names, and Taras came up with it, so he's the only one who likes it!" laughed Smyrnov. "You know, sometimes you like or don’t like something, and you don’t know why?

"But really, we're so thankful to be here," he continued. "The idea obviously is to create a brand, but we mostly want to show how much we respect and appreciate the chance to live and create a business in this country.

"Besides, it's cute, and it's something that will catch people's attention, and they will ask “What is this 'Thanks To Harrison' anyway?"

"But as soon as they look into the window, they'll know."

Thanks To Harrison is open Wednesday to Monday from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., and closed on Tuesday. For more information or reservations, please call: (954) 391-8971. Or visit them on the web at: https://thankstoharrison.com/ - Or on Instagram at: @thankstoharrison.

Downtown Hollywood offers On-Street Metered Parking for $1.50 Per Hour, as well as Municipal Garage Parking for $1 Per Hour at 251 South 20th Avenue (between Harrison Street and Van Buren Street). In addition, a $10 Flat Rate Public Valet Station, located at 1925 Hollywood Boulevard, is open Thursday to Sunday, from 5:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m.

For more information about Redevelopment Projects, Businesses, New Investment, and Streetscape Improvements in Hollywood's Downtown and Beach Districts, call the Hollywood Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) at: (954) 924-2980. Or visit: www.HollywoodCRA.org