David Grutman’s Growing Hospitality Empire Is Taking Him To Space And Beyond

American entrepreneur, nightlife impresario, and hospitality magnate David Grutman has made a significant impact on the entertainment and hospitality industry. Since opening LIV nightclub at the Fontainebleau in 2008, he and his company Groot Hospitality have been on a meteoric rise.

Benjamin Liong Setiawan: Tell us about your background and what led you to where you are today.

David Grutman: So I am originally from Florida. I grew up in Naples, on the west coast of the state. My first entry into hospitality was in bartending. I was studying to be an accountant. Thank God that didn’t happen. One thing I’ve always known is that I really love this business. I’ve always loved making sure people have a good time. It’s in my nature.

BLS: The past 2 years have been filled with some major openings for you. The Goodtime, your first hotel project, with Pharrell Williams in 2021 and Gekkō with Bad Bunny in 2022. How did those partnerships come about?

DG: I’ve known Pharrell for over ten years. He spends a lot of time here in Miami. We’re partners on the Groot Hospitality restaurant Swan, which is in the Miami Design District. When we first started speaking about doing something, years ago, Pharrell actually brought up the idea of a hotel. With the right partners and the right location–it’s a great location, right in the heart of South Beach–we made it happen. With Gekkō, I originally met Bad Bunny at Komodo, another of our restaurants, which is actually just down the street from Gekkō’s location. Bunny is a sushi fanatic. And the conversation about doing a restaurant together started organically. We knew it had to be Japanese-inspired from the beginning.

BLS: What made you decide to move into the hotel space?

DG: It was always a goal. It was just a matter of timing, and finding the best location and partners. But, I think, generally speaking, a hotel can really demonstrate all of the things I love about this industry: Great food and drink, a great backdrop for socializing, and a fully immersive experience across the board. The way we do it with Groot is one of a kind–you won’t forget it. And with a hotel, we can do it all.

BLS: What is the concept of The Goodtime Hotel?

DG: Good times, good vibes, and good memories. It’s opulent but it’s also casual. And it’s super modern, I think. The rooms are all about efficiency and ease, and the public spaces are about transporting you to somewhere and something unique. It’s very Miami in style, but in a contemporary way. With Pharrell’s input, too, there’s an element of wellness. It really is about having a good time–in whatever form that takes for you.

BLS: What do you think makes The Goodtime Hotel so special and different from other options in Miami?

DG: Our location is incredible. It’s essentially right off the causeway once you get to the Beach, and Washington Avenue is undergoing a pretty significant revitalization. It’s also a little younger in feeling, and, maybe I’m biased, but we’ve got the best pool deck in Miami Beach. It’s huge, beautiful, elevated, and we just relaunched our pool parties, which you can’t miss.

BLS: What is the vision behind Strawberry Moon?

DG: Strawberry Moon is a Mediterranean restaurant with a casual indoor-outdoor flow. It’s also designed to feel like you’re in a sunken landing, with the the pool deck beyond it–but at eye level. We often hear from guests that Strawberry Moon has one of their favorite atmospheres. It’s relaxed, but you can feel the energy, at the same time.

BLS: What items on the Strawberry Moon menu do you think guests should not miss?

DG: Good question. I love the chicken kebabs, the “Godfather” Turkish pizza and the mezze trio. All are outstanding.

BLS: You opened Gekkō last summer. What led you and Bad Bunny to open a Japanese-inspired steakhouse?

DG: Honestly, the idea really did come up naturally. We had met in Miami, and over time, we started to talk about doing a restaurant together. We then decided on the general concept, knowing it would have a Japanese inspiration, and it went into motion from there. He’s obsessed with sushi, so that was part of the conversation from early on. And I had wanted to do a high end steakhouse. The ideas ending up striking the perfect balance.

BLS: How would you describe the cuisine at Gekkō?

DG: Elevated. Innovative. Showstopping. Delicious.

BLS: What is your current dinner order at Gekkō?

DG: It rotates often, but right now, I’d say the wagyu filet.

BLS: What is your current drink order?

DG: Coke Zero with crushed ice. Always.

BLS: What items on the Gekkō menu do you think guests should absolutely not miss?

DG: Besides the wagyu filet, the lobster dumplings, for sure. The wagyu crispy rice is delicious. 24K otoro–it has turned into a signature. And definitely the A5 hot stone steak.

BLS: You recently announced your partnership with Space Perspective. What food and drink options can guests expect on board?

DG: Space Perspective guests can expect our signature Groot Hospitality quality and flair, but with twists that fit the adventurous element of the trip. There will be dishes with cosmos-inspired names and preparations. The F&B is going to be out of this world, literally!

BLS: Are there exclusive DG items or experiences that will only be available for guests on Space Perspective?

DG: We may look into special edition or limited run merch for Space Perspective, but that’s not confirmed yet. And, the Groot experience will be there throughout. Not only in food and beverage, but also in the high-energy, highly visual and immersive component, too.

BLS: Looking towards the future, what cities and cuisines would you like to expand into? What other projects do you have on the horizon?

DG: Cuisine-wise, we’re exploring a ton of different options, from a Greek concept to smash burgers to an Argentine or Brazilian BBQ idea. We just expanded outside of South Florida to Dallas with Komodo, and pretty soon we’ll be in other U.S. cities as well as abroad. We also have Somewhere Else, our first resort, on Atlantis Paradise Island in the Bahamas. Pharrell is a partner on that project too. It’s looking like a 2024 opening, depending on construction.

You can stay up to date on all the developments with David Grutman and Groot Hospitality here.

Find Benjamin Liong Setiawan on Instagram: @hungryeditor.