When dining out, a guest expects to receive professional customer service and great food in an enjoyable atmosphere. It all sounds nice but there’s nothing that stands out about the experience. If you’re looking to be fully immersed in the enticing world of entertainment dining — Groot Hospitality delivers the unexpected in all the right ways.
David Grutman is the Founder of Groot Hospitality and a globally renowned innovator in his field. He has made a name for himself with an iconic infusion of high energy and transformative luxury across an impressive portfolio of restaurants, hotels, bars and nightclubs. As a native Floridian, Grutman possessed a love and appreciation for Miami’s wide array of food, beverage, and hotel options. Bringing a fresh perspective to the table, he has managed to transform this city into a modern hotspot.
For Grutman, the journey never felt forced. It was a matter of one idea leading to the next, using innovation and determination to bring them to life. “I have never set out to revolutionize the industry…I wanted to fill a niche market need that wasn’t currently being met in Miami,” said Grutman. “I developed Komodo as a restaurant with high energy and great food. Instead of focusing on just one vertical, I found a way to seamlessly merge entertainment and culinary delight.”
Although Grutman has made a name for himself among celebrities and the exclusive, high-end nightlife scene — it wasn’t always the case. He had to take risks, make tough choices and work extremely hard to get to where he is today. Starting out as a bartender at a restaurant in Aventura Mall, Grutman quickly realized his passion for the hospitality industry. Bartending was lucrative, providing a six-figure income, but he wanted to delve deeper into the intricacies of the business. So, Grutman made the bold decision to transition to a $30,000-a-year manager position, sacrificing financial comfort for invaluable industry knowledge. This move allowed him to learn the operational ins and outs that would later become the foundation of his entrepreneurial success.
A significant turning point in Grutman’s career is when he met Jeff Soffer, his current business partner in LIV Miami and Las Vegas. Jeff was a visionary in the hospitality industry and proved to be instrumental in allowing Grutman to expand his horizons. When Soffer was opening the Fontainebleau in Las Vegas, he eagerly anticipated having Komodo and Papi (two of Grutman’s highly sought after dining experiences) under its roof, marking a new chapter in collaborative ventures among these two trailblazers. Grutman also has many other notable partnerships including Pharrell William and Bad Bunny.
A new chapter. A new set of challenges.
Venturing into entrepreneurship was far from easy. Establishing credibility outside of nightlife required immense effort. Despite these obstacles, Grutman persevered and successfully launched his first restaurant, Komodo, in 2015. Since the inception of Komodo, Grutman’s portfolio has expanded to include multiple successful restaurants in Miami, Las Vegas, and Dallas. “My vision extends beyond just serving great food. I want every guest to leave my restaurants eager to share their experience with friends, on social media, and to return for more,” said Grutman. “This is achieved through the incredible marketing and experiential team at Groot Hospitality. We continuously find ways to create unique experiences that we’ve deemed as escapist fun.”
Escapist fun encapsulates the exhilarating feeling of leaving daily life behind and entering a fantastical world. Groot Hospitality experiences are designed to transport guests from their everyday routines into a 360-degree immersive environment. A signature example is the Beefcase at Papi Steak, a 52 oz. wagyu tomahawk steak presented in a gold briefcase with a light and music show that engages the entire dining room. There is also the Bad Bunny dessert at Gekko that lights on fire, or the lemon tree at Casadonna.
In addition to the in-person atmosphere, social media has been a cornerstone of Groot Hospitality’s marketing strategy. As the industry evolves, Grutman and his team are committed to adapting and integrating new technologies to stay ahead of the curve. The brand’s strong social media presence has been pivotal in its success, allowing Groot Hospitality to effectively connect with and engage its audience.
As Groot Hospitality continues to expand its well-established brands nationwide, the team strategically tailors the offerings to each market. Grutman recognizes that what works in Miami might not resonate in Las Vegas or Dallas, and vice versa. Each location provides a unique experience, ensuring that guests have something new to look forward to, even if they’ve visited another one of the Groot Hospitality restaurants.
A Day In The Life
Being in this industry is a 24/7 commitment. The days start early and end late with a rigorous schedule of meetings, calls, and hands-on involvement at the Groot Hospitality venues. Whether it’s discussing strategies with the nightlife team or overseeing dinner service, being accessible and present is key to success. “The most fulfilling aspect of my work is creating special experiences for others. This industry doesn’t allow for anyone to rest on their laurels,” said Grutman. “From new concepts and dishes to unique music moments, it’s an ever-evolving challenge that I embrace wholeheartedly.”
The future of Groot Hospitality looks bright as it continues to expand worldwide, introducing new concepts in hotels, restaurants, bars, lounges, and clubs. Grutman and his team’s passion for what they do drives them to seek out the next exciting location and opportunity. There’s no doubt that Grutman will continue serving up priceless experiences to everyone who steps foot inside one of his restaurants.
Check out the impressive list of Groot Hospitality venues and make a reservation.
