The Honest Truth About Running Restaurants in Miami
Matt Kuscher
Matt Kuscher didn't build Lokal and Kush by following a playbook — he figured it out the hard way. In this episode he breaks down the real challenges of running restaurants in Miami, from impossible landlords and lease negotiations to COVID, inflation, and what he'd tell his younger self knowing what he knows now. We also get into his time at Houston's, teaching hospitality at FIU, nonprofit work, the Brickell Kush location, merch, Burger Bash, and whether Miami's booming restaurant scene is sustainable. Matt is as honest and self-aware as it gets. If you're in the restaurant industry or thinking about getting in — this one is essential. Manny Alfonso: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mannyalfonso8/ Kiko Suarez: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/querikoconkiko/ Eduardo Moya: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mr_moya/ Follow Us! - A Day in Miami: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adayinmiami/ Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/20WEys6jxiliBCLoo9iSID ________________________ Produced by: Ben Schwede Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/benthecreatorrr/ 0:00 Intro 2:41 Opening Lokal 6:22 Issues with Landlords and New Approach 9:44 Working at Houston’s 11:28 Teaching a Class at FIU 15:28 Going Back to DC? 16:24 Balancing Family Life and Running Restaurants 17:39 Being Involved in Non-Profits 19:25 Kush in Brickell 22:18 Merch and Kushman Costume 24:28 Judging Burger Bash 25:32 Leases & Grease Traps 26:25 Advice for Opening a Restaurant 30:18 Matt on Dealing with Failure 31:34 Mo on Dealing with Failure 34:11 Concerned About the Current Economy and Market 36:01 COVID 36:38 Will the Restaurant Bubble in Miami Pop? 38:27 Rent Increases in Coconut Grove 39:16 Matt on Giving People Opportunities on His Properties 43:32 Thoughts on Wynwood 46:15 Advice for Younger Self 47:53 Top 3 Restaurants 52:52 Painted Nails 53:40 Outro
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Bryan Calvo
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