EPISODE · Apr 13, 2026 · 51 MIN
The Honest Truth About Running Restaurants in Miami | Matt Kuscher
from A Day in Miami Show · host A Day in Miami
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 SchwedeInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/benthecreatorrr/0:00 Intro2:41 Opening Lokal6:31 Working at Houston's8:15 Teaching a Class at FIU12:15 Going Back to DC?13:11 Balancing Family Life and Running Restaurants14:26 Being Involved in Non-Profits16:12 Kush in Brickell19:05 Merch and Kushman Costume21:15 Judging Burger Bash22:19 Leases & Grease Traps23:12 Advice for Opening a Restaurant27:05 Matt on Dealing with Failure28:21 Mo on Dealing with Failure30:58 Concerned About the Current Economy and Market32:48 COVID33:25 Will the Restaurant Bubble in Miami Pop?35:14 Rent Increases in Coconut Grove36:03 Matt on Giving People Opportunities on His Properties40:19 Thoughts on Wynwood43:02 Advice for Younger Self44:40 Top 3 Restaurants49:39 Painted Nails50:27 Outro
What this episode covers
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 SchwedeInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/benthecreatorrr/0:00 Intro2:41 Opening Lokal6:31 Working at Houston's8:15 Teaching a Class at FIU12:15 Going Back to DC?13:11 Balancing Family Life and Running Restaurants14:26 Being Involved in Non-Profits16:12 Kush in Brickell19:05 Merch and Kushman Costume21:15 Judging Burger Bash22:19 Leases & Grease Traps23:12 Advice for Opening a Restaurant27:05 Matt on Dealing with Failure28:21 Mo on Dealing with Failure30:58 Concerned About the Current Economy and Market32:48 COVID33:25 Will the Restaurant Bubble in Miami Pop?35:14 Rent Increases in Coconut Grove36:03 Matt on Giving People Opportunities on His Properties40:19 Thoughts on Wynwood43:02 Advice for Younger Self44:40 Top 3 Restaurants49:39 Painted Nails50:27 Outro
NOW PLAYING
The Honest Truth About Running Restaurants in Miami | Matt Kuscher
No transcript for this episode yet
Similar Episodes
No similar episodes found.
Similar Podcasts
No similar podcasts found.