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
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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