Matthew “Kush” Kuscher literally grew up in the restaurant business; spending much of his childhood in his grandfather's deli and working in his father’s Washington D.C. cafeteria. Inspired by his culinary experience, he formalized his training with a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management at Florida International University. After graduating in 2000, he moved to New York City where he worked in several restaurants, then decided to move back to South Florida – a decision that put him on the path to becoming a third-generation restaurateur. After learning the ropes of running restaurants in the corporate restaurant world Kuscher and his wife Priscilla decided to open their own restaurant in 2011. This initial concept, LoKal (located in Coconut Grove), quickly gained popularity and received numerous awards not only for its food and beverage program highlighting Florida purveyors, but also for its sustainability practices. The first restaurant in Miami-Dade County to use 100% clean, renewable energy sourced from wind and solar power, LoKal embodies Kuscher’s personal and business philosophy and a dedication to farm-to-table cookery. Encouraged by LoKal’s success, the couple added additional concepts. In 2014, they launched KUSH in the up and coming Wynwood Arts District, and a neighboring “speakeasy” Botanica. Both establishments offer a copious craft beer selection; popular with cerevisaphiles, home brewers, and those just craving a burger and a brew. In 2016, KUSH Hospitality Group (KHG), further expanded with the opening of The Spillover in Coconut Grove; featuring local seafood, ciders, meads and craft cocktails. The next year, Kush opened a small 12-seat concept adjacent to LoKal as an homage to his youth – Vicky's House. The quaint, retro eatery, named after Kuscher’s mother can be accessed through a phone booth labeled “Time Machine” – a tongue in cheek nod to the cult classic Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure. Diners are transported to a replica of Kuscher’s childhood kitchen – circa 1986 – where they can enjoy over-the-top milkshakes, coffee, and craft beer available to package and take away. Kuscher’s most recent venture is truly a labor of love. In 2019, after two years of work, he refurbished Stephen’s Delicatessen, Florida's oldest Jewish-style deli, originally established in 1954. The tribute to Miami’s once vibrant delicatessen scene, located in Hialeah’s burgeoning Leah Arts District, features memorabilia from his grandfather’s deli including the menu, which he replicated when designing the new menu for Stephen’s. With historical preservation as a mission, he then converted part of the legendary deli's kitchen into Hialeah's first proper cocktail bar – La Cocina Coctelería – replete with kitschy items that are a nod to Hialeah’s unique culture and past. Now, with eight original concepts spanning the gustatory gamut Kuscher can rightfully claim the title of Miami culinary innovator. Each restaurant has his own personal touch with mementos, original works by local artists, depictions of notable personalities, upcycled materials, unique tchotchkes and found objects – making for an imaginative and art-forward aesthetic, as a common thread throughout, that brands each as recognizable and distinctively KUSH. More concepts are in the works, as he and his wife continue to cater to Miami locals and visitors with creative and enticing dining and drinking options.

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Born in San Francisco, CA raised in Miami, FL, this little spitfire started working as a hostess at LoKal when she was 17 years old. She found herself craving more responsibility, and saw herself growing with the company's expanding opportunities. She has since been groomed in every position, both in the kitchen and front of the house. Her ambitious nature, creativity, and tenacity landed her titles such as the General Manager at KUSH in Wynwood, and most recently, Director of Operations for the company. Zuni is truly remarkable in her ability to lead, and sets the highest of standards for herself and her staff. Outside the restaurant she's a lover of craft beer, fishing, and a perfect pair of shoes.

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Born in Colombia and raised in the 305, Leo is an FIU hospitality grad and father of three who lives for the wild ride that is “the biz.” With 20 years in the Miami restaurant scene, there is no position in a restaurant he hasn’t mastered. When Leo’s not hard at work, you can be sure he’ll be sipping some bourbon, playing his Fender acoustic, or hanging out with his wife Alexis at a bar near you!

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Born and raised in Closter, New Jersey to two Cuban parents, both entrepreneurs. Joel moved to Miami at 16 and then got his first job as a server at 18, then at 21 he discovered his love of bartending and became a Cicerone certified, lead bartender.  Eventually, he moved into bar management and is currently leading the charge at La Cocina Cocteleria. Joel is passionate about sports, drinking craft beer, and the art of a great cocktail, and is ready to keep learning, elevating and refining his skills.

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Ariel is a 23 year old, Cuban-Mexican American who was born in Mississippi but raised in Miami. She started with Kush Hospitality in 2015 as a greeter and has since worked her way into shift leading. She is sweet yet tenacious, bubbly and jovial, and she’s got all the right ingredients to make you feel welcome and at home. In her spare time she enjoys visiting local breweries and trying out new restaurants. One day she aspires to travel the world and eventually open up her own restaurant.

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