Miami, FL—Fifteen years after making his mark on the South Florida entertainment scene with Miami Marketing Group (MMG), David Grutman announces the launch of Groot Hospitality, encompassing his distinct trademark hospitality ventures. Combining all of Grutman’s venues under one umbrella, Groot Hospitality's portfolio includes LIV (2009), Story (2012), Komodo (2015), OTL (2017), Planta (2018) and Happy Place Donuts (2018).
“Years ago with MMG, I set out to change traditional marketing. With the launch of Groot Hospitality we have transitioned from a marketing firm to a lifestyle hospitality collective, owning and operating our venues. We will continue to show our guests out-of-the-box exciting ideas and concepts,” says David Grutman, CEO of Groot Hospitality. “Our new company will have something for everyone - I want people dining in my restaurants, drinking at my coffee shops, partying in my clubs and eventually sleeping in my guest rooms,” says Grutman.
A native Floridian, Grutman is responsible for several of the most successful and world-renowned brands Miami has to offer, and has been credited by Rolling Stone Magazine as the 11th most important person in Electronic Dance Music. Grutman’s ‘buzz’ style tactics and high-profile celebrity clientele created the cornerstone of his empire, LIV, which is the only venue outside of the Las Vegas market to be consistently ranked in the top ten nightclubs in the United States. As Groot Hospitality, Grutman now announces a new 10-year partnership agreement with Fontainebleau to continue to operate LIV and Story. He routinely brings the atmosphere and energy cultivated in his establishments, outside of the club, by crafting unique pop-up branded experiences around the world tied to major sporting and entertainment events. With new projects on the horizon, Groot Hospitality’s footprint is ever expanding.
With one foot still firmly planted in the nightlife industry, Grutman continues to make major strides as a restauranteur with the other. As leader of Groot Hospitality, he brings his high-energy, high-impact “fun” to the dining room. Grutman ensures guests have the best possible experience, whether they are indulging in his unique take on Asian fare at Komodo, or grabbing a quick bite and coffee at OTL. Like Grutman’s nightclubs, his culinary ventures offer the highest levels of service fit for a celebrity or just a celebrity sighting. Grutman’s influence on the hospitality and music world is global and his larger than life personality and natural ability to create brands designed to be in the spotlight has catapulted him into continued success, no matter the arena. In 2018, Groot Hospitality will introduce a number of new projects which will again take the company into new market segments and service offerings.
About Groot Hospitality Venues:
LIV at Fontainebleau—Consistently ranked as one of the top nightclub venues in the world, LIV has redefined and pioneered the nightlife experience. LIV fuses the appeal of an ultra-exclusive lounge and a high-energy nightclub. Having recently undergone a 10-million-dollar renovation, with the inclusion of the famed LED Spider with 400 individually controlled LED panels, LIV features over 18,000 square feet of striking architectural design and lavish decor, setting the stage for the ultimate nightlife experience.
Story—This venue is an unparalleled, high-octane nightlife experience. The 27,000-square-foot space is equipped with a state-of-the art sound and concert style lighting and visuals which are truly unmatched by any other nightclub in Miami Beach, providing the perfect environment for the world’s best DJs and performers to continually impress Miami crowds night after night.
Komodo—Komodo has quickly become one of the must-dine-at destinations in Miami. Nestled in the middle of Brickell, this three-story indoor/outdoor Pan-Asian restaurant continues to wow guests with everything from its unique flavors to its décor. The venue boasts 300 seats including a mezzanine level, garden patio and outdoor “floating birds’ nests” that create a playful treehouse vibe.
OTL—In partnership with NYC’s SMILE Group and Craig Robins, OTL provides the booming Design District with a trendy coffee shop that is equal parts comfortable, cultural and delicious. Both a local staple and tourist destination, OTL serves breakfast and brunch, light fare, snacks and a happy hour.
Planta—Located in Miami’s trendy South of Fifth neighborhood, Planta offers locally sourced, high-quality and 100% plant-based fare in an expansive, bright and environmentally conscious location. Acclaimed Executive Chef David Lee helms the kitchen in the elevated yet relaxed atmosphere in his first venture on US soil. The 200-seat restaurant boasts a unique plant-based sushi bar, rooftop farm for growing fresh vegetables and more.
Happy Place Donuts—Teaming up with sweets connoisseur and founder of Sugar Factory American Brasserie, Charissa Davidovici, Groot Hospitality brings Happy Place Donuts, which will open in Spring 2018 next to Sugar Factory’s new Gummy World on Miami Beach’s historical Española Way. The 4,000-square-foot donut boutique and patisserie will feature freshly made, signature donuts with mojito pairings, and inventive pastries including hot Happy Dough Balls that are inspired by Italian street fare.