Alumnus shares how to succeed in hospitality

Matthew Kuscher '00 began his love affair with the hospitality industry when he was seven years old. He would help his dad at the counter at Dunkin' Donuts. 

Today, Kuscher is the owner of the powerhouse Kush Hospitality Group, which boasts eight innovative, local restaurants with distinctive Miami-style flavors.

A third-generation restaurateur, Kuscher is recognzied as an innovator for his restaurant concepts. From his first restaurant LoKal, which is based in Coconut Grove and serves up an assortment of burgers and craft beers, to Kush Hialeah (Stephen's Deli), the oldest Jewish-style deli in Florida, Kuscher has created unique eating experiences that have guests coming back for more year after year. 

"Every restaurant I have has its own identity, its own character," says Kuscher. “I want to do international restaurants that only make sense in Miami. I feel like Miami has its own language, and I'm the translator of this language."

In the video above, Kuscher takes us behind the scenes of his daily life at the helm of Kush Hospitality Group. He also shares some of his top tips for success in the hospitality industry. Check out his words of wisdom. 

Kuscher, who is also a lecturer at FIU's Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management, adds that his alma mater holds a special place in his heart. "FIU changed my life," he says. "If you're passionate about hospitality, FIU is the greatest place you can be."