How He Helped Create Miami’s Nightlife Empire
Mo Garcia
Mo Garcia is one of the key figures who helped shape Miami’s nightlife scene into what it is today. From launching SMAC Entertainment and partnering with Dave Grutman to building the foundation of legendary spots like LIV, Gala, and beyond, his story is filled with innovation, intensity, and reinvention. In this episode, Mo opens up about his early days in party promotion, his transition out of nightlife, and how tragedy and reflection led him to new beginnings in Bimini. It’s a raw, powerful look at the man behind Miami’s most unforgettable nights. 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 1:31 Growth of ADIM Podcast 4:57 His Cuban Household and Family Story 12:07 Human Trafficking in Miami 14:06 How the City Has Changed 15:03 Beginning of SMAC Entertainment 16:54 Call with Cedric Gervais 19:03 OF Girls 22:07 Kiko Working for Mo 23:16 Marketing Parties in the 80s 31:34 Parties in Vegas and End of SMAC 37:39 His Time After SMAC and Meeting David Grutman 42:01 Opening LIV 46:45 Starting LIV on Sundays Parties 51:56 Throwing Out Bad Bunny From the Club (Almost) 54:17 Exiting Nightlife and Groot Hospitality 58:26 Miserable Life After Exit 1:01:36 Traveling During Pandemic 1:04:31 Moving to Bimini 1:05:53 Opening Gala and Tragic Accident 1:08:38 Fountainbleu Las Vegas 1:09:53 Papi Steak 1:16:54 Restaurants Failing 1:19:22 Advice for Younger Self 1:20:55 Getting Married and Kids? 1:23:47 Brandsmart Wishlist 1:25:05 Top 3 Restaurants 1:28:28 River is Growing
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