Peek Behind the Hedge Michael Katzenberg
Owner, The Blue Door
Meet Michael Katzenberg, co-founder and co-owner of The Blue Door, the buzzy Mediterranean restaurant that has captured the taste buds of locals and snowbirds alike, since opening this past February in the SoSo District of West Palm Beach.
A South Florida native, Michael's ties to the area inspired him, along with his 4 business partners, to develop a space that blends local Florida charm with Southern European coastal elegance, and superb food to boot. Hear more about Michael's journey (including a very lengthy negotiation process for the restaurant's location) and what The Blue Door has coming up this season.
Have you always had ties to South Florida? How did ‘the great migration’ to our area during the pandemic inform or inspire The Blue Door?​
Michael: Yes, I was born in West Palm Beach, and my family has been here since the 1950s. The pandemic accelerated migration to Palm Beach County, increasing the demand for more authentic restaurants.​​
​​
What was the process of getting the restaurant off the ground --the good, the bad, and the ugly (i.e. from applying for city permits to crafting the perfect menu)?
Michael: This was quite a journey! First, we had to negotiate with the property owner since the location wasn't for sale. Kudos to my business partner, Max Ricci, for his persistence, which secured a meeting with the landlord. With our concept in place, we engaged Spina O’rouke to bring our al fresco dining vision to life. We faced typical permitting delays, compounded by city-wide project surges, and had to replace our original general contractor with Bennett White Construction, who proved excellent. For the design, Sara Ricci and Shira Caplan from Studio Ett Hem captured the Southern European Coastal Bistro vibe perfectly. Our operating partners, Chef Nano and Tamara, crafted a menu that’s become a local favorite, making The Blue Door a go-to spot. We’re incredibly fortunate to have them on board!
​​
Did you have a sixth sense that the SoSo District was going to be the new “it” neighborhood? What other types of establishments would you like to see added?
Michael: Being from Palm Beach, I've long seen the potential in SoSo. My business partner, Max Ricci, moved to the neighborhood from LA in 2015 and has wanted to open a restaurant here since day one. Other types of establishments- I'd like a high-end TexMex concept. I lived in Dallas for a while and miss it.
​
What would you define as the single most difficult aspect of owning and operating a restaurant? The most rewarding?
​Michael: For me, handling criticism is tough, though I know it comes with the territory (I’m working on it). But the most rewarding part is seeing people enjoy themselves—celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, and other milestones at your establishment. It’s an incredible feeling!
​
You're quite the entrepreneur. In addition to The Blue Door, you also co-founded a sun-care line, Florida Squeezed. Is there a third business idea brewing?
Michael: You never know ;)
​
Outside of The Blue Door, what local spot do you frequent the most?
Michael: I make an effort to support other establishments as much as possible, but I find myself frequenting Buccan and Imoto the most.
​
What upcoming Privet event are you most excited about for fall?
Michael: Metropolitan Opera Lindemann, Artists In Concert.
​
If folks are new to The Blue Door, residents and tourists alike, what would you like for them to take away from their dining experience?
​Michael: When they walk through The Blue Door, I want them to experience genuine/authentic hospitality that makes them eager to return.