Industry Talks Hospitality Podcast

In this episode, Emi Guerra sits down one-on-one with Otto Othman — CEO & founder of Pincho (formerly Pincho Factory) — to talk about the real story behind building a burger brand from the ground up. From launching with $77K and literally having $6.27 in the bank, to winning Burger Bash, scaling pains at “3 locations, ” and the moment Otto decided franchising wasn’t worth it (and bought stores...

Mr. Mauricio joins the Emi Guerra Podcast for a raw, unfiltered conversation about Miami nightlife, the rise of DJ culture, celebrity-filled nights, gambling struggles, and the untold story behind his decades-long career. From spinning in legendary Miami clubs like Liquid, Mansion, and Opium Garden… to performing alongside industry icons… to rebuilding after personal battles — Mauricio shares the...

Ignacio Garcia & Francesco (Grove Bay) go deep on scaling street-side and airport concepts, the 9-year Bayshore Club saga, Michelin’s real P&L impact, and why “Main & Main” beats trendy addresses. It’s chef artistry meets business math—no fluff, just playbook. Chapters: 00:00 – What it really takes to open (lease, insurance, PR, IT, accounting, payroll). 00:00:37 – Founders’ origin sto...

What happens when a Cuban kid from Miami falls in love with country music? Orlando Mendez, a.k.a. The Cuban Cowboy, opens up about finding his voice, facing rejection, and proving that country has no borders. Hosted by Emi Guerra (The Wharf, Regatta Grove), this episode uncovers the grind behind the spotlight — from $50 gigs on Broadway to The Voice, Nashville, and back home to Miami. 🎧 Tune in f...

From termites and city permits to a global pandemic that nearly shut everything down, Michael Tronn & Paul Brown spent more than six years building Timbr — now one of Fort Lauderdale’s most talked-about restaurants. This episode is a behind-the-scenes journey into what it really takes to create a world-class hospitality venue. From their roots in South Florida nightlife to managing every detai...

He built his career from teenage parties to luxury cigar brands; Eddy Guerra shares how hospitality shaped his journey into one of the most exclusive industries in the world. From running 14-hour days in Southeast Asia’s top resorts, to opening whiskey & cigar bars in Bangkok, to reshaping iconic brands like Montecristo, Trinidad, and Davidoff; this is a masterclass in brand building, customer...

He lost his first restaurant. He got burned by investors. And still — he built one of Miami’s most talked-about‬ food brands.‬ ‭ In this exclusive interview,‬‭ Mario Naar‬‭ , founder of‬‭ Chèvre Miami‬‭ , tells the story of how he went from‬‭ nightlife‬ in Panama to launching a viral cheese and sandwich empire in Miami. From $20 sandwiches and foie gras‬ ‭ boards to being ranked #3 on Goldbelly an...

Description: He turned empty clubs into legendary nights and built Miami’s nightlife from nothing. Oscar G tells the untold story of how he and his childhood friend Ralph created a movement that changed music forever. Oscar G is a globally respected DJ, producer, and the architect of Miami’s underground house scene. From pressing records in high school to marathon sets at Space, to launching Made...

‬ ‭They lost $150,000 in 3 days. Faced real estate disasters. Built iconic brands like Rosa Sky. And still believe‬ hospitality is worth the chaos.‬ Alan Roth and Tim Petrillo are titans in hospitality. From unexpected partnerships to rooftop miracles, this is‬ the raw, untold story of nightlife, loss, reinvention — and what’s coming next for restaurants.‬ ‭ They reveal:‬ ●‭ Why one of their busin...

He didn’t just play the music — he built the room. From handing out mixtapes on NYC sidewalks to headlining nights with over 5,000 people, DJ Boris built his name in the underground — not from fame, but from obsession, grit, and 22-hour sets that left clubs speechless. In this intimate, never-before-heard conversation, Boris reveals the moment that changed his life at age 15, what it was like to b...

He lost his scholarship, hid it from his parents, and risked it all — DJ Irie shares the untold story of how a Jamaican kid with a vinyl addiction became one of the most influential figures in entertainment. DJ Irie is a world-renowned DJ, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and the first official NBA DJ for the Miami Heat. But behind the spotlight was a path filled with hidden setbacks and defining mom...

Emi Guerra sits down with hospitality visionary Angel Febres to chart the past 25 years of Miami nightlife, tracing Angel’s rise from influential promoter to respected restaurateur. Hear his thoughtful reflections on industry evolution, personal growth, and the debut of Yaya—his elegant new waterfront restaurant on Biscayne Bay that marries elevated dining with a timeless coastal spirit.

Emi Guerra sits down with Coral Gables Mayor Vince Lago to explore his path into politics, the pivotal role of hospitality in building strong connections, and how the city’s award-winning restaurants and hotels flourish by engaging with the community. Tune in for leadership insights and a behind-the-scenes look at local business success.

Emi Guerra chats with Javi Zayas, CEO of Swarm Inc., about his path into the event industry, Wynwood’s cultural rise, working with Kanye West, and partnering with Miami’s best promoters. Tune in for a forward-looking conversation on evolving event trends and what’s next for Swarm.

Emi Guerra  and Frankie Ruiz dive into the Miami Marathon, health tourism, run clubs, and Miami Beach’s evolving identity as a fitness destination—while also highlighting the allure of the Everglades. Discover how hospitality and fitness naturally intersect in this inspiring conversation.

Emi Guerra sits down with Jimmy Piedrahita to explore his rollercoaster journey in the donut business—from opening acclaimed shops to unexpected closures, and ultimately selling to Hollywood Donut Factory. Join them for a candid chat on entrepreneurship, resilience, and the sweeter side of life.

Emi Guerra sits down with David Garcia to explore how La Camaronera earned a spot among America’s Top 100 restaurants, the transformative impact of Guy Fieri and Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives, and the journey of preserving a family legacy while expanding his seafood empire with Captain Jim’s. Tune in for personal stories, business insights, and plenty of laughs from two old friends.

Brothers Emi and Tony Guerra dive into Tony’s first job in nightlife, the mentors who shaped his path, and why having a “tight front door” was once the secret to a nightclub’s success. Tune in for behind-the-scenes stories and industry insights that defined Tony’s journey.