Podcast
Just the Tip Podcast by F+B Miami
Hosted by Felix at F+B Miami · EN
Welcome to Just the Tip—the podcast that says what everyone’s thinking but no one’s saying. Hosted by Felix from @fandbmiami, this show brings you unfiltered conversations with the real players behind Miami’s food, hospitality, and real estate scene. No fluff, no corporate speak—just the truth about what it takes to survive (and thrive) in one of the country’s fastest-moving markets. From lease nightmares to hot openings and the politics no one wants to touch, Just the Tip pulls back the curtain with humor, honesty, and just the right amount of spice.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
10episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Restaurant Legend Matt Kusher on Owning the Real Estate, Saving Local Hospitality & Building Kush
Feb 1801:05:12Tap to summarizeIf you’ve ever eaten at Kush, Locale, or anywhere inside the Kush Hospitality universe — you’ve felt Matt Kusher’s impact on Miami’s food scene.In this episode of Just the Tip, Felix Bendersky of F+B Hospitality Brokerage sits down with third-generation restaurateur Matt Kusher to break down what it really takes to survive — and win — in today’s Miami restaurant market.From growing up inside his father’s Dunkin’ Donuts to revitalizing neighborhoods like Wynwood and Coconut Grove, Matt shares how his family legacy shaped his entrepreneurial mindset… and why he’s now betting big on owning the real estate beneath his restaurants.Because in Miami today, the rent might be your biggest competitor.This conversation dives into the realities operators face right now — rising costs, national groups entering the market, sustainability challenges, and why supporting local concepts matters more than ever.Matt’s journey from Dunkin’ Donuts kid to Miami restaurant powerhouseBuilding iconic local brands like Kush and LocaleHow restaurants helped reshape Wynwood & Coconut GroveWhy skyrocketing rents are changing hospitality foreverThe strategic shift toward restaurant real estate ownershipCompeting against large national hospitality groupsSustainability challenges in Miami’s infrastructureTeaching the next generation at Florida International University (FIU)🔥 In This Episode, We Get Into: Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Boston Nightlife Legends: Felix Superstar and Michael Winter Reunite
Feb 1301:48:45Tap to summarizeNightclubs are changing.Alcohol culture is shifting.And the nightlife business in 2026 looks very different than it did even five years ago.In this episode of Just the Tip, Felix Bendersky of F+B Hospitality Brokerage sits down with nightlife operator Michael Winter to unpack what’s really happening behind the scenes of the bar and club world — from Boston to Miami.Michael shares raw insights from running venues through the pandemic, comparing Massachusetts’ strict shutdown policies to Florida’s more open approach — and how those decisions permanently reshaped nightlife economics.But the conversation goes deeper than COVID.They break down the new generation of consumers, the rise of mocktails and alcohol-free nightlife, and why health-conscious habits are forcing operators to rethink everything from menus to marketing.If you’re in hospitality, nightlife, or just curious where going-out culture is headed, this episode is packed with perspective.🔥 In This Episode:What it was like running nightclubs during COVID lockdownsBoston vs. Miami nightlife regulations — and the business impactWhy younger crowds are drinking less alcoholThe explosion of mocktails and alcohol-free menusHow nightlife operators are adapting to wellness culturePartnership lessons — and how ego can destroy dealsThe importance of hospitality, service, and community in nightlife success🧠 Industry InsightsNightlife demand didn’t disappear — it evolvedExperience now matters more than alcohol sales aloneCommunity + culture drive repeat customersRegulatory environments can make or break venuesSmart operators are diversifying offerings beyond liquor🗣️ Standout Moments:“Younger generations are going out — they’re just drinking differently.”“Boston will always have my heart… but it’s one of the hardest places to operate.”“Hospitality is what keeps people coming back — not just the party.”🎧 Subscribe to Just the Tip for unfiltered conversations with the operators, owners, and investors shaping hospitality from Miami and beyond.👇 Comment below: Do you think nightlife is getting healthier — or just different?Nightlife industry 2026, Miami nightlife, Boston nightlife, nightclub business, bar industry trends, mocktails trend, alcohol-free nightlife, hospitality podcast, Felix Bendersky, F+B Hospitality Brokerage, nightclub partnerships, post-pandemic nightlife Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Opening a Restaurant in Miami in 2026? Here’s What You Need to Know | Just the Tip Podcast (Solo Episode)
Feb 400:43:54Tap to summarizeMiami might be the most exciting restaurant city in the country right now… and also one of the hardest places on Earth to actually survive.In this solo episode of Just the Tip, Felix Bendersky of F+B Hospitality Brokerage breaks down what it really takes to open a restaurant in Miami as we head into 2026 — and why so many great operators underestimate this market.From site selection and concept development to landlord expectations, neighborhood dynamics, and the post-COVID oversaturation of hospitality, this episode is a real-world blueprint for anyone thinking about investing, expanding, or launching a concept in South Florida.If you’re asking yourself:Is now the right time to open in Miami?What neighborhoods actually work year-round?What do landlords want to see before they sign a lease?How much money do you really need in reserves?This episode is for you.🔥 In This Episode, Felix Covers:Why Miami is one of the most competitive restaurant markets in the U.S.The #1 mistake new operators make before signing a leaseWhat your concept deck + brand book must include in 2026How to choose the right neighborhood based on your customer baseWhy smaller, smarter spaces are winning right nowThe financial reality of opening in a city full of wealthy competitionThe importance of having an experienced local operating team🧠 Key Takeaways for Restaurateurs✅ Preparation beats passion in Miami✅ Your financials need to be ready before you tour spaces✅ Landlords move fast — the best deals go to the most prepared operator✅ Brickell isn’t always the goldmine people think it is✅ Sustainable concepts win over oversized, risky builds Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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From Fashion to Michelin: Daniel Figueredo on Building Miami’s Iconic Sanguich
Jan 2801:29:17Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Just the Tip, Felix Bendersky of F+B Hospitality Brokerage sits down with Daniel Figueredo — the visionary founder behind Sanguich, one of Miami’s most talked-about Cuban sandwich concepts and a proud recipient of a Michelin Bib Gourmand.Daniel’s story is anything but traditional.Before launching one of Miami’s most beloved food brands, he built a career across fashion, design, and retail construction, working with major names like Cuba Vera and even spending time in the world of luxury with LVMH’s TAG Heuer.Then everything changed.After the 2008 financial crisis reshaped his path, Daniel took a leap into the food world — turning setbacks into momentum and building Sanguich from a simple container concept into a nationally recognized Miami success story.This conversation is packed with insight for anyone interested in restaurant growth, brand-building, entrepreneurship, and the real business behind Miami hospitality.We Get Into:Daniel’s pivot from fashion and retail into the food & beverage worldHow Sanguich became one of Miami’s most respected Cuban eateriesWhat the Michelin Bib Gourmand recognition really meansThe power of brand consistency, community, and authenticityLessons from building through crisis, uncertainty, and reinventionWhy partnerships and shared vision are everything in hospitalityHow Daniel thinks about scaling carefully — and what’s next for Sanguich🗣️ Notable Quotes“Work is as much a source of dignity as it is a source of income.”“I was hooked on the instant gratification of serving a sandwich and seeing immediate joy.”“Our brand was built from love and community — and we’re extremely protective of that.”📍 About the GuestDaniel Figueredo is the founder of Sanguich Miami, a Michelin-recognized Cuban sandwich destination redefining street food with quality, heart, and culture.If you loved this episode, make sure to subscribe for more conversations with the chefs, restaurateurs, and operators shaping the future of Miami hospitality.👇 Drop a comment: What’s the biggest risk you’ve ever taken in business?Miami restaurants, Cuban sandwich Miami, Sandwich Miami, Daniel Figueredo, Michelin Bib Gourmand Miami, Miami food podcast, restaurant entrepreneurship, hospitality business Miami, Felix Bendersky, F+B Hospitality Brokerage, Just the Tip Podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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How Danny Serfer Built Miami Restaurants That Locals Actually Love
Jan 2101:19:09Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Just the Tip, Felix sits down with Danny Serfer, one of Miami’s most respected chefs and restaurateurs, to break down what it really takes to build restaurants that last in a city obsessed with what’s new.From his early days working under Chef Allen Susser to becoming the owner of iconic Miami institutions like Blue Collar and Mignonette, Danny shares his unconventional path from aspiring actor and attorney to chef and operator. His philosophy is simple but rare: make great food, keep it approachable, take care of your people, and never lose sight of the locals.The conversation dives deep into the realities of running restaurants in post-COVID Miami — from rising costs and shifting dining habits to the impact of wellness trends like Ozempic on how people eat out. Danny also gives a candid take on the influx of big restaurant groups from New York and Chicago, why authenticity still matters more than hype, and how community, consistency, and value are what separate long-term success from flash-in-the-pan concepts.From Triple D shoutouts to lessons learned the hard way, this episode is packed with real insight for chefs, restaurateurs, and anyone navigating today’s hospitality landscape.Topics covered:• Building restaurant concepts for locals, not tourists• Making upscale food accessible without cutting corners• The realities of Miami’s restaurant scene post-COVID• How wellness trends are changing dining behavior• Managing teams, culture, and long-term staff relationships• Why value, service, and consistency still win🎧 If you’re in the restaurant business — or thinking about it — this episode is required listening. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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The Business of Nightlife: Face Control, Exclusivity & Power in Miami | Tommy Puccio
Jan 1400:53:35Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Just the Tip, host Felix Bendersky of F+B Miami sits down with nightlife icon Tommy Puccio (aka Tommy Pooch) for a no-filter conversation about the rise, chaos, and business of Miami nightlife.From his early days supplying legendary New York clubs like Studio 54 to shaping Miami’s party culture with venues like The Forge, Chaos, and iconic Sundays at Nikki Beach, Tommy shares untold stories from behind the velvet rope — including face control, exclusivity, and what it really took to build the hottest rooms in the world.The conversation dives deep into:How Miami nightlife evolved from the late ’90s through the 2000sWhy presence at the door mattered more than marketingThe real economics behind legendary clubs and partiesHow social media changed hospitality foreverTommy’s transition from nightlife power player to real estate advisorThis episode is a must-watch for anyone in hospitality, nightlife, real estate, or entertainment — and for anyone who wants to understand how relationships, reputation, and timing build real leverage in Miami.Topics Covered:Miami nightlife history & iconic clubsClub promotion, exclusivity, and face controlHospitality business strategySocial media’s impact on nightlifeReal estate insights from hospitality veteransBuilding long-term influence in MiamiWhy This Episode Matters:Few people have seen Miami nightlife from every angle — promoter, owner, operator, and advisor. Tommy Puccio’s stories aren’t just entertaining — they’re a masterclass in people-driven business, timing markets, and adapting before the city shifts again. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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The Bartender’s Bartender: Real Talk on Miami Bars, Community, and Survival with Will Thompson
Jan 701:46:41Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Just the Tip, Felix sits down with Will Thompson — widely known in Miami as the bartender’s bartender — for an honest conversation about hospitality, community, and the realities facing the bar industry today.From growing up in a military family to working his way up from busboy to bartender at places like Broken Shaker, Will shares how structure, discipline, and creativity shaped his approach behind the bar and his commitment to doing things the right way. He breaks down what real hospitality actually means, why guest experience still matters more than trends, and how neighborhood bars have evolved without losing their soul.The conversation goes deeper into the post-COVID reality of the hospitality industry, including aggressive inspections, rising rents, and regulatory pressure that continue to threaten independent operators. Will speaks candidly about how the community showed up during the pandemic, why mentorship and transparency matter now more than ever, and what city leadership needs to understand about supporting local businesses.If you work in bars, restaurants, nightlife, or hospitality real estate — especially in Miami — this episode hits close to home.Topics covered:• What it really means to be “the bartender’s bartender”• The evolution of Miami’s neighborhood bar culture• Community, mentorship, and accountability in hospitality• COVID, inspections, and regulatory pressure on local bars• Rising rents and the future of independent operators• Why guest experience still defines great hospitality🎧 Listen now for a grounded, real-world conversation about the people who keep hospitality alive — and what it will take to protect the industry moving forward. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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How to Disrupt the Restaurant Industry Without Failing | Stratis Morfogen
Dec 3101:47:31Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Just the Tip, Felix sits down with Stratis Morfogen — legendary restaurateur, entrepreneur, and author of Be a Disruptor — for a no-BS conversation about what it really takes to survive (and win) in the restaurant business.From running a family diner to building iconic concepts like Philippe Chow and the wildly innovative Brooklyn Dumpling Shop, Stratis breaks down how disruption isn’t about trends — it’s about adaptation, value, and execution. He shares how failure became one of his greatest teachers, why most operators misunderstand “innovation,” and how real estate, SEO, and technology now play just as big a role as food.The conversation dives deep into how COVID forced operators to rethink everything, why value matters more than ever, and how Stratis secured unconventional deals — including Times Square real estate — by seeing opportunities others missed. This episode is packed with practical insight for restaurant owners, hospitality professionals, and anyone building a business in a volatile market.If you’re in food, hospitality, real estate, or entrepreneurship — this is a must-listen.Topics covered:• What it actually means to be a “disruptor” in restaurants• Why failure is a prerequisite for long-term success• How SEO and technology now drive restaurant traffic• The importance of value and relationships over transactions• Adapting restaurant concepts during and after COVID• How smart operators spot real estate opportunities early🎧 Listen now for a masterclass in restaurant disruption, resilience, and building brands that last. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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From NYC’s Underground to Miami’s Biggest Clubs | DJ Boris on Nightlife, Business & Reinvention
Dec 2401:12:58Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Just the Tip, Felix sits down with DJ Boris, one of the most influential DJs to come out of New York’s legendary club scene. Raised in Brighton Beach and shaped by the raw energy of Brooklyn nightlife, Boris shares how growing up in a Soviet immigrant community fueled his work ethic, resilience, and long-term vision in an industry known for burnout.Boris takes us behind the scenes of iconic eras at venues like The Roxy, Limelight, Crowbar, and his legendary residency at Club Space. He breaks down how nightlife evolved from massive, all-night club marathons to today’s more curated, intimate experiences — and what that shift means for DJs, promoters, and hospitality operators.The conversation also dives into Miami Music Week, the business realities behind nightlife longevity, and how Boris turned the chaos of COVID into opportunity by pivoting into Miami’s luxury yacht charter business. From 22-hour DJ sets to building income streams off the decks, this episode is a masterclass in adaptability, brand longevity, and surviving cultural shifts without losing your edge.If you care about nightlife, hospitality, music culture, or building a career that actually lasts — this one hits.Topics covered:• The golden era of NYC nightlife and how it shaped today’s DJ culture• Why Miami became a global nightlife capital• The real business behind DJ residencies and longevity• Pivoting during COVID and building income beyond nightlife• How social media and technology changed music and hospitality forever🎧 Listen now for an unfiltered look at nightlife, hustle, and reinvention — straight from someone who lived every era. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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How David Foulquier Builds Iconic Miami Restaurants That Actually Last
Dec 1702:18:30Tap to summarizeMiami Restaurateur David Foulquier on Building Iconic Restaurant ConceptsWhat does it really take to build restaurants that last — across pizza, sushi, fine dining, and neighborhood favorites?In this episode of Just the Tip, we sit down with David Foulquier, one of Miami’s most influential restaurateurs and the creative force behind Fooq’s, 11 Street Pizza, Sushi Noz, and the highly anticipated Fooq’s Little River. With roots shaped by New York City and a multicultural French-Persian background, David shares how obsession with greatness — not cuisine type — is his true competitive advantage.This conversation goes deep into the real decisions behind successful restaurant concepts, from choosing the right neighborhood and building aligned investor relationships to navigating COVID, the Michelin Guide’s arrival in Miami, and the evolving expectations of today’s diners.Whether you’re a restaurant owner, hospitality investor, chef, or Miami food lover, this episode offers rare insight into how iconic dining brands are built — and rebuilt — over time.🎙️ In This Episode, You’ll Learn:Why core competency matters more than cuisineHow David scales excellence from New York style pizza to high-end sushiThe truth about opening restaurants in emerging Miami neighborhoodsWhat COVID permanently changed about restaurant operationsHow Michelin recognition impacts Miami’s dining sceneWhy team alignment and obsession with quality drive long-term successHow community demand shapes winning restaurant concepts🔥 Key Quotes:“My core competency is being great. It doesn’t discriminate from pizza to sushi.”“Greatness begins with passion, obsession, and love for the game.”“Miami is no longer just a food scene — it’s a culinary capital.”📍 About the Guest:David Foulquier is a Miami-based restaurateur known for trend-defining concepts that balance innovation, consistency, and cultural depth. His restaurants have helped shape Miami’s rise as a global food destination while maintaining strong local followings.🎧 Subscribe to Just the Tip for unfiltered conversations with the people shaping Miami real estate, restaurants, and hospitality.👍 Like, comment, and share if you’re building — or dreaming of building — something great. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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