By Dana Niland

CJ Contributor

Global lifestyle hospitality company sbe [sic] is expanding its Disruptive Restaurant Group portfolio in the Bahamas with the opening of Fi’lia by Michael Schwartz.

The Italian restaurant concept, featuring 202 seats of indoor and outdoor seating, marks sbe’s fifth culinary and entertainment venue to open at Baha Mar.

“sbe is continuing to drive unprecedented growth. In the last three months of 2017, we have opened three incredible hotels and 17 innovative culinary and entertainment venues around the world,” said sbe Founder and CEO, Sam Nazarian.

“Our brand portfolio is constantly growing and we’re thrilled to open our second Fi’lia location in partnership with Michael Schwartz and his team,” he continued. “Fi’lia perfectly complements sbe’s existing culinary portfolio at Baha Mar, adding an unparalleled Italian option to our well-rounded collection of Japanese, Mediterranean and American restaurants and lounges.”

Located on the main Baha Mar Casino floor just steps from SLS Baha Mar, the new 299-room hotel sbe opened last month, this is Fi’lia’s first international outpost and second location overall after opening at SLS Brickell in Miami last year.

“I’m excited to expand my partnership with sbe by opening our first international venue together and second Fi’lia location,” said Michael Schwartz, chef and owner of The Genuine Hospitality Group. “I’ve enjoyed working with the team on-island and learning about the local ingredients available to incorporate into the menu, spearheaded by Fi’lia executive chef Thomas Tennant, a long-time fixture in our kitchen at Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink who also brings Caribbean experience to the restaurant.