Big Retail Moves in Kendall: Starbucks Opens and Barnes & Noble Returns to The Palms at Town & Country

Kendall’s retail scene just got a major upgrade. Two national brands — Starbucks and Barnes & Noble — are joining The Palms at Town & Country, one of South Florida’s most popular open-air shopping centers. The additions mark a new era of revitalization and investment for this Kendall landmark, bringing more lifestyle and community-focused options to the area.

 Starbucks Opens in a Standalone Café

Starbucks officially opened its doors on September 26, 2025, at 8268 Mills Drive, in a 3,684-square-foot standalone building that replaces a former Burger King.

This new location blends sleek, modern design with a warm community feel — a space where residents can grab a latte on the go or settle in with a laptop for an afternoon of work. The café includes outdoor seating, drive-through service, and expanded indoor space for a comfortable, connected experience.

The opening aligns with Starbucks’ broader push to enhance accessibility and customer experience in suburban markets — and Kendall, with its growing young professional and family base, was a natural fit.

For The Palms at Town & Country, this opening adds a daily-traffic magnet, fueling activity across nearby retailers and restaurants.

“We’ve seen how strategic national tenants like Starbucks elevate not only the retail mix but the entire community experience,” said a Kimco Realty spokesperson. “It’s all about creating more reasons for people to stay, shop, and connect.”

 Barnes & Noble Returns to Kendall — Bigger and Better

Following the closure of its longtime Kendall Drive location earlier this year, Barnes & Noble is making a highly anticipated comeback — this time with a brand-new 20,000-plus-square-foot store at The Palms at Town & Country.

Set to open on October 15, 2025, the new Barnes & Noble will take over the former Forever 21 space, right next to Nordstrom Rack.

The space is designed under the company’s new-format bookstore concept, which features open layouts, curated book selections, community reading spaces, and an expanded café. The updated concept — rolling out nationwide — focuses on creating a modern, comfortable environment that celebrates books while encouraging local engagement through readings, events, and author meetups.

Barnes & Noble’s decision to return to Kendall highlights the area’s strong retail performance and community loyalty. The previous location had served West Kendall readers for over three decades, and the closure left a noticeable gap in the local cultural landscape.

Now, this new chapter at The Palms promises to bring that energy back — and with more square footage, better accessibility, and a location surrounded by high-foot-traffic anchors, it’s poised for success.

 The Palms at Town & Country: A Retail Hub on the Rise

Owned and managed by Kimco Realty, The Palms at Town & Country continues to evolve as one of Miami-Dade’s most dynamic retail centers. Located along Mills Drive near Kendall Drive (SW 88th Street), it blends shopping, dining, and entertainment in an open-air environment with a lakeside backdrop.

The center’s tenant mix already includes Nordstrom Rack, Total Wine, Publix, and Dick’s Sporting Goods, along with a growing list of restaurants and specialty retailers.

The arrival of Starbucks and Barnes & Noble adds a strong lifestyle component — reinforcing The Palms’ identity as a community destination rather than just a shopping stop.

Commercial real estate analysts note that these national additions reflect growing confidence in Kendall’s consumer base and Miami’s suburban retail market, both of which have shown remarkable resilience and spending power post-pandemic.

“Kendall’s transformation over the past five years is impressive,” said a local retail consultant. “We’re seeing national tenants prioritize accessibility, visibility, and community engagement — and The Palms at Town & Country delivers all three.”

 Why It Matters for Miami Retail Development

The expansion at The Palms mirrors a larger trend across Miami-Dade County, where suburban commercial centers are evolving to meet shifting consumer preferences.

As more people relocate from urban cores like Brickell and Downtown Miami to suburban hubs, developers are investing heavily in experiential and lifestyle-oriented retail. That includes curated food halls, boutique fitness centers, flexible workspace, and open-air concepts that prioritize walkability and design.

The Starbucks and Barnes & Noble openings also come at a time when Miami commercial real estate is adapting to hybrid work lifestyles — consumers want “third spaces” beyond home and office to connect, relax, and spend time.

By combining coffee culture with community-based retail, The Palms is redefining what a suburban shopping experience looks like.

 Location, Accessibility, and Growth

Situated at 8268 Mills Drive, just off the Florida Turnpike and Kendall Drive, The Palms offers easy access for both locals and visitors. It’s minutes away from Dadeland, Pinecrest, and West Kendall — making it a prime midpoint for Miami’s southern neighborhoods.

With over 400,000 square feet of retail space, multiple anchor tenants, and ongoing enhancements, The Palms is becoming a key player in the Kendall retail development landscape.

 The Bigger Picture: Miami’s Retail Resurgence

According to recent data from the Miami Downtown Development Authority and Colliers International, retail vacancy rates across Miami-Dade have dropped to record lows, with suburban centers like Kendall leading the recovery.

Kimco Realty’s continued investment signals confidence in the long-term potential of South Florida’s retail sector. As national and regional brands compete for limited space, centers that blend convenience, lifestyle, and community — like The Palms at Town & Country — are emerging as top choices.

 What’s Next

The Barnes & Noble grand opening on October 15 is expected to draw major community turnout. Paired with the recently opened Starbucks, it solidifies The Palms’ position as a go-to gathering space for Kendall residents — whether for morning coffee, weekend book browsing, or evening shopping.

Kimco Realty has hinted that additional tenant announcements are on the way, with more dining and lifestyle brands exploring leases at the property.

 In Summary

The Palms at Town & Country is writing a new chapter in Kendall’s retail story:

• Starbucks opened Sept. 26 in a 3,684-sq-ft standalone café.

• Barnes & Noble opens Oct. 15 in a 20,000+-sq-ft space next to Nordstrom Rack.

• The center is owned by Kimco Realty and continues to attract national lifestyle brands.

• These moves reflect strong suburban growth and Miami’s expanding commercial appeal.

As Kendall continues to evolve, this expansion shows that national retailers see the same thing locals do — a vibrant, growing community with an appetite for culture, connection, and great coffee.