Known For
Shareef Malnik is best known for steering The Forge through disasters to maintain its reputation as Miami Beach's premier celebrity steakhouse for decades.
About
Shareef Malnik assumed leadership of The Forge from his father Alvin in the early 1990s, rebuilding after a 1991 fire and Hurricane Andrew's destruction of its prized wine cellar valued at over $5 million. He modernized the menu with seafood and à la carte options while introducing entertainment like fashion shows and live music to match Miami Beach's evolving vibe. A key player in South Florida philanthropy, he drove major Make-A-Wish fundraising efforts raising millions for children's wishes alongside support for animal welfare. His personal Ocean Drive residence, a gutted 1920s building expanded with a rooftop pool, underscores his flair for transformative design. Though The Forge shuttered in 2019 with David Grutman poised to lease it, Malnik's era defined its celebrity allure.
