Industry Talks Hospitality Podcast
Industry Talks. A podcast hosted by Emi Guerra about the nightlife and hospitality industry.
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Episodes
Monday May 19, 2025
Monday May 19, 2025
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 moments.
He discusses:
How losing a scholarship changed his life.
Why he turned down the Miami Heat's first offer.
The truth behind deejaying in secret while still in school.
The mentors and celebrities who shaped his rise (Shaq, Jamie Foxx, Alonzo Mourning).
2014 World Cup Final performance in Brazil.
How Irie Weekend became a defining moment in sports culture.
Chapters:
00:00 Intro2:45 Discovering Vinyl & Skipping Lunch for Records7:12 The High School Crush That Changed Everything10:54 Lying to His Parents & Losing His Scholarship16:20 How DJing Paid His Tuition20:40 Becoming FIU’s VP & Student DJ Legend24:11 First Break: Radio Station to On-Air DJ29:30 Miami Club Scene & Mansion Residency35:44 The Call from Miami Heat38:55 Turning Down the Heat (At First)41:20 Becoming the First NBA DJ47:01 3 Championship Rings & Heat Culture50:55 Building “Irie Weekend” & A Perfect Storm56:40 Celebrity Support: Shaq, Jamie, Alonzo1:02:15 From Club DJ to Brand Empire
Connect with me on my instagram:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emiguerra99/Connect with DJ Irie:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/irie/?hl=en
Listen to my podcasts on:Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/industry-talks-hospitality-podcast/id1790526837
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5Qqf1YkCmKKL0nEH9J5rAv
Check out my hospitality businesses on Instagram:
Breakwater Hospitality Group: https://www.instagram.com/breakwaterhg/
The Wharf Miami: https://www.instagram.com/wharfmiami/
The Wharf Fort Lauderdale: https://www.instagram.com/wharfftl/
PIER 5: https://www.instagram.com/pier5bayside/
JohnMartin’s: https://www.instagram.com/johnmartinsmiami/
Carousel Club: https://www.instagram.com/carouselclb/
Regatta Grove: https://www.instagram.com/regattagrove/
Riverside Wharf: https://www.instagram.com/riversidewharf/
Thank you for your support. If you arent already subscribed, do subscribe to the channel for our latest episodes. Cheers!
#podcast #emigurerra #djirie #hospitalitybusiness #hospitalitypodcast
Monday Apr 21, 2025
Monday Apr 21, 2025
He helped shape the golden era of Miami nightlife, brought hip-hop to South Beach before it was cool, and threw the parties that made everyone feel like they belonged.
Angel Febres looks back on 30 years of nightlife history — from legendary parties like Home Cooking and The Show at Crowbar, to memories with Michael Jordan, Chelsea Clinton, and Beyoncé. But beyond the glitz, this episode is about inclusion, community, and passion for the culture.
He discusses:
-Why fax machines were the original guest list system-How his team brought New York hip-hop DJs to Miami Beach-The real story behind Home Cooking Tuesdays and Sweet Thursdays-What it felt like when the whole club paused for Michael Jordan-Throwing a party with Beyoncé and Jay-Z after Mayweather–Pacquiao-Why modern promoting just doesn’t feel the same-And the friendships that built Miami’s nightlife from the ground up
⏱️ Timestamps
0:00 Welcome to Industry Talks with Angel Febres
0:30 Recording from his new venue, Yaya
1:20 How Angel got started in nightlife
2:05 Promoting parties in 1995
2:50 Launching Smac Entertainment
3:40 First parties and nightclubs
4:20 Thursday nights at Crowbar
5:00 Hip-hop in Miami Beach nightlife
6:00 How party promotion worked pre-social media
7:00 Calling, faxing, and texting guests
8:00 Top 3 parties: Crowbar, Sweet, Home Cooking
9:30 How Home Cooking built a legacy
10:30 Celebrity moments: Michael Jordan, Chelsea Clinton
11:50 Jay-Z and Beyoncé at Foxhole
13:00 Why celebrities kept coming back
14:00 Transition from promoter to owner
15:10 Launching Foxhole in 2011
16:30 The vibe and success of Foxhole
17:30 Foxhole post-COVID and relaunch
18:30 Opening Drunken Dragon
19:30 Running a restaurant for 10 years
20:30 Expanding off the beach to Wynwood
21:30 Launching Racket with Tony Garcia
22:30 Tony’s real estate success and staying in touch
23:30 Opening Casa Tiki in Little Havana
24:30 Dealing with COVID shutdowns
25:30 Casa Tiki’s relaunch and new partners
26:30 Little Havana’s development
27:30 Angel’s biggest business loss: Clutch
28:10 What he learned from that failure
29:00 Why restaurants elevate your brand
30:00 Balancing family and nightlife
31:00 Still showing up and supporting the scene
32:00 Why he opened Yaya after Pelican Harbor bid failed
33:00 Persevering through rejection
34:00 Boat access and strategy at Yaya
35:00 Counted 10,000 boats in two weeks
36:00 Targeting coastal boaters in Miami
37:00 Open six days a week, closed Mondays
38:00 Top 3 dishes: oysters, saganaki, ribeye
39:00 One more: half roasted chicken
39:30 Upcoming project: Drunken Dragon Hallandale
40:30 New concept: restaurant + lounge
41:30 Mentors: Louis Puig, Grutman, Bob Meyers
42:30 Lessons learned from legends
43:00 Respect and handling Puff Daddy situation in 2001
44:30 Security confusion and ending the night with champagne
45:30 Learning from conflict and staying humble
Connect with me on my instagram:
🤳Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emiguerra99/
Connect with Angel Febres:
🤳Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theangelfebres
Listen to my podcasts on:🍎Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/industry-talks-hospitality-podcast/id1790526837
🍏Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5Qqf1YkCmKKL0nEH9J5rAv
Check out my hospitality businesses on Instagram:
🏨 Breakwater Hospitality Group: https://www.instagram.com/breakwaterhg/
🏨The Wharf Miami: https://www.instagram.com/wharfmiami/
🏨The Wharf Fort Lauderdale: https://www.instagram.com/wharfftl/
🏨PIER 5: https://www.instagram.com/pier5bayside/
🏨JohnMartin’s: https://www.instagram.com/johnmartinsmiami/
🏨Carousel Club: https://www.instagram.com/carouselclb/
🏨Regatta Grove: https://www.instagram.com/regattagrove/
🏨Riverside Wharf: https://www.instagram.com/riversidewharf/
Thank you for your support. If you aren’t already subscribed, do subscribe to the channel for our latest episodes. Cheers!
Wednesday Apr 02, 2025
Wednesday Apr 02, 2025
He knocked on 10,000 doors to win his first campaign. Today, Mayor Vince Lago leads one of Florida’s most iconic cities — and he's on a mission to merge business logic with public service.
In this episode, the Mayor of Coral Gables reveals what it really takes to run a city in today’s world: dealing with public pressure, supporting local businesses, pushing environmental reform, and staying accessible with Open Door Fridays for over 12 years straight.
He discusses:
-The rebirth of John Martin’s and its place in Gables history-Why hospitality businesses must engage in local politics-His fight to streamline permits and slash red tape-Building 10 parks from scratch to transform downtown life-How Coral Gables landed Apple, FIFA, and Ryder over Miami-What he hopes his children will remember when they see his name on city projects
⏱️ Timestamps
0:00 – Intro: Live from John Martin’s with Mayor Lago
0:35 – Coral Gables’ legacy and 100-year history
1:25 – Mayor Lago’s family roots in the city
2:10 – How he got into public service
2:45 – Running for office by knocking on doors
3:55 – Balancing politics with family life
5:06 – Why he still works every single day
6:00 – On raising kids and building community
7:00 – Personal investments in sustainability
8:21 – The origin of Open Door Fridays
9:45 – Emotional meetings with local residents
10:32 – Answering difficult questions face-to-face
11:15 – You don’t need donations to get involved
13:14 – Dealing with local issues and complaints
14:44 – What small voices can accomplish
15:49 – One neighbor almost shut down a venue
16:48 – Creating solutions, not shutdowns
17:30 – Keeping city culture and standards high
18:19 – The history behind John Martin’s liquor license
19:09 – Weddings and events at the Biltmore Hotel
20:00 – Time capsule buried outside the Biltmore
21:10 – Coral Gables: Still a young city at 100
21:52 – Billion-dollar Loews Hotel development
22:41 – FIFA and Ryder opening offices in Gables
23:14 – Mercedes HQ joins the growing business scene
24:00 – City growth without sacrificing beauty
25:07 – Why young professionals are moving here
26:03 – Coral Gables is affluent and community-driven
27:03 – How it became a top restaurant city
27:59 – Shingo, Bouchon, Milos leading the way
29:01 – His favorite breakfast and pastry spots
30:21 – Shoutouts to Banana Berry and Armstrong
31:36 – Loews brings New York bar energy to Gables
32:59 – Rooftop terraces and beautiful sunsets
33:45 – Coral Gables now feels like Epcot
34:26 – Vince’s go-to steakhouse and wine picks
35:26 – What Coral Gables smells and feels like
36:15 – Staying true to city values
37:07 – Partnering with cultural organizations
37:48 – International festivals and heritage events
38:55 – Christmas tree lighting brings 5,000 people
39:39 – Art, music, and local theater experiences
40:34 – Keeping residents eating, working, and living here
41:27 – Final reflections on legacy and impact
Connect with me on my instagram:
🤳Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emiguerra99/
Connect with Mayor Vince Lago:
🤳Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mayorvincelago/
Listen to my podcasts on:🍎Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/industry-talks-hospitality-podcast/id1790526837
🍏Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5Qqf1YkCmKKL0nEH9J5rAv
Check out my hospitality businesses on Instagram:
🏨 Breakwater Hospitality Group: https://www.instagram.com/breakwaterhg/
🏨The Wharf Miami: https://www.instagram.com/wharfmiami/
🏨The Wharf Fort Lauderdale: https://www.instagram.com/wharfftl/
🏨PIER 5: https://www.instagram.com/pier5bayside/
🏨JohnMartin’s: https://www.instagram.com/johnmartinsmiami/
🏨Carousel Club: https://www.instagram.com/carouselclb/
🏨Regatta Grove: https://www.instagram.com/regattagrove/
🏨Riverside Wharf: https://www.instagram.com/riversidewharf/
Thank you for your support. If you aren’t already subscribed, do subscribe to the channel for our latest episodes. Cheers!
Tuesday Mar 25, 2025
Tuesday Mar 25, 2025
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.
Monday Mar 17, 2025
Monday Mar 17, 2025
He co-founded the Miami Marathon before wellness was cool — now, Frankie Ruiz is leading a movement that’s redefining what Miami stands for.
As Nike’s Running Coach of the Year and the force behind dozens of run clubs across South Florida, Frankie shares how he helped transform Miami from a party city to a fitness capital. From shutting down streets to bringing 20,000 runners to town, this is the story behind the movement.
He discusses:
-How the Miami Marathon went from 3,000 runners to 67% tourism-Why Brickell Run Club exploded into the thousands-The rise of run clubs in Hialeah, Homestead, and Little Havana-Why he believes Miami Beach will be America’s next wellness capital-The power of parks, community, and showing up-What High Rocks is — and how it’s changing fitness
⏱️ Timestamps
0:00 – Intro to Frankie Ruiz: Co-founder of the Miami Marathon
1:00 – The early days of building the marathon
2:00 – Miami was a ghost town back then
3:00 – How it became a destination race
4:00 – From nightlife to marathons — full circle moments
5:00 – Clubs like Space embracing the running community
6:00 – Birth of Miami’s run culture
7:00 – 60+ run clubs growing all over South Florida
8:00 – Why run clubs are now social hubs
9:00 – Brickell Run Club and scaling the movement
10:00 – Miami’s lack of parks and narrow sidewalks
11:00 – Making the most of Riverwalk and Baywalk
12:00 – Top 3 wellness tips for visitors to Miami
13:00 – Why Frankie loves the Everglades
14:00 – Getting lost in nature to find yourself
15:00 – Miami Beach’s rebranding into a wellness city
16:00 – Fitness facilities, scenery, and lifestyle shift
17:00 – The rise of High Rocks in Miami Beach
18:00 – March becoming the "Miami Run Week"
19:00 – What High Rocks actually is (explained)
20:00 – From gym meets race — the rise of hybrid fitness
21:00 – Miami airport runway 5K and night runs
22:00 – Running inside MIA and executive airstrips
23:00 – Only time civilians can run on a runway
24:00 – Wildest run: 20 miles through the Everglades
25:00 – Crocodiles, bull sharks & getting lost pre-wedding
26:00 – Frankie’s craziest ultrarun story
27:00 – Top 3 fitness events in Miami
28:00 – Miami Marathon, Wodapalooza, Corporate Run
29:00 – Office party meets fitness revolution
30:00 – Why companies back run events
31:00 – Corporate runs as bonding and branding
32:00 – Coaching with Nike and coaching legacy
33:00 – Why Frankie chose to coach high school runners
34:00 – Balancing coaching, business, and family
35:00 – Gratitude to his dad and past mentors
36:00 – Why coaching brings the most joy
37:00 – Has he run an ultramarathon? (Not yet)
38:00 – Local political involvement and civic pride
39:00 – Clean parks, walkways, and future city planning
40:00 – The power of community-led change
41:00 – What is ‘plogging’ and why it matters
42:00 – Earth Day cleanups and Miami’s trash problem
43:00 – Why Frankie loves this city and its people
44:00 – Praising Emi Guerra and giving back
45:00 – Outro & legacy talk
Connect with me on my instagram:
🤳Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emiguerra99/
Connect with Frankie Ruiz:
🤳Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/frankieruiz
Listen to my podcasts on:🍎Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/industry-talks-hospitality-podcast/id1790526837
🍏Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5Qqf1YkCmKKL0nEH9J5rAv
Check out my hospitality businesses on Instagram:
🏨 Breakwater Hospitality Group: https://www.instagram.com/breakwaterhg/
🏨The Wharf Miami: https://www.instagram.com/wharfmiami/
🏨The Wharf Fort Lauderdale: https://www.instagram.com/wharfftl/
🏨PIER 5: https://www.instagram.com/pier5bayside/
🏨JohnMartin’s: https://www.instagram.com/johnmartinsmiami/
🏨Carousel Club: https://www.instagram.com/carouselclb/
🏨Regatta Grove: https://www.instagram.com/regattagrove/
🏨Riverside Wharf: https://www.instagram.com/riversidewharf/
Thank you for your support. If you aren’t already subscribed, do subscribe to the channel for our latest episodes. Cheers!
Thursday Mar 06, 2025
Thursday Mar 06, 2025
He built a donut empire from scratch, went from one small shop to stadiums and J.Lo’s birthday, and gave back more than he ever took — this is the story of Miami’s “Donut Man.”
Jimmy Piedrahita opens up about growing up humble, building Mojo Donuts into one of Miami’s most beloved brands, and what it was like to lose it all — without losing himself.
He discusses:
-Why he brought donuts to Miami after one trip to Broward-What it was like making 10,000 donuts in a single day for Formula 1-The moment J.Lo called his donuts “the best ever”-His emotional decision to shut it all down — and how he handled it-How his 7-year-old son became his motivation-Why relationships will always be worth more than money
⏱️ Timestamps:
0:00 – Welcome to Industry Talks: Meet Jimmy “The Donut Man”
0:35 – Why Donuts? The Surprising Backstory
1:05 – Family of Restaurateurs, But He Resisted It
1:24 – Bringing Mojo Donuts to Miami
1:52 – Growing Up in Queens, NYC
2:02 – Family-Owned Colombian Restaurant Roots
2:25 – Childhood Lessons in Hard Work
2:43 – Finding the First Store Location
3:02 – What Made the Spot Perfect
3:40 – Opening Day Chaos and Instant Sell-Outs
4:03 – How He Learned to Bake From Scratch
4:23 – Yeast vs Cake vs Brioche Donuts
5:04 – Red Velvet, Chocolate Frosted & His Favorites
6:04 – Over 200 Donut Recipes Created
6:51 – Childhood Memories of Dunkin' and Milk
7:21 – Scaling to Second Location in Coral Gables
8:16 – Visualizing Expansion From the Penthouse
9:06 – Telling His Partner: “This Is It”
9:38 – Mojo at The Wharf: The Big Break
10:21 – Running Full Store Volume in a Box Truck
10:46 – Why Relationships Are Everything
11:17 – Donuts Delivered During a Baby’s Birth
11:42 – Growing Up Poor Next to a Dumpster
12:04 – Childhood Hustles and Quitting Mom’s Smoking
13:20 – Why Relationships and Purpose Matter Most
13:58 – Top 3 Causes He Cares Deeply About
14:41 – How His Son Changed Everything
15:07 – Love for Dogs and the Homeless Community
15:26 – Store Growth: Coral Gables, Stadiums, More
16:30 – Formula 1: 10,000 Donuts in One Day
17:00 – F1 Security: Snipers and K9 Units
17:50 – The Day He Shut Everything Down
18:30 – Community Reactions and Celebrity Support
19:15 – What J.Lo Said About His Donuts
20:00 – Why Legacy Is Bigger Than Donuts
20:45 – His 7-Year-Old Son Is His Driving Force
21:25 – What’s Next for Jimmy Piedrahita
22:15 – The Mindset That Got Him Through It All
23:00 – Building Bigger Than a Bakery
23:40 – Thanking the City That Gave Him Everything
24:30 – Final Words on Love, Business & Humility
25:30 – Reflecting on COVID and staying active in the community
26:00 – Shutting down was one of the hardest decisions
26:30 – What’s next: People reaching out from other industries
27:00 – Opening new conversations beyond food
27:30 – Remembering his full journey from humble beginnings
28:10 – Giving advice to new entrepreneurs
28:40 – Biggest lessons from growing and losing Mojo Donuts
29:20 – Not every decision has to be about profit
30:00 – You can’t build legacy without love for people
30:40 – Family, service, and staying grounded
31:10 – Wanting his son to grow up proud
31:45 – His goal is to inspire future community leaders
32:30 – Mojo wasn’t just a brand — it was movement
33:15 – Building again, but bigger and more meaningful
34:00 – What his new projects might look like
34:30 – Refusing to chase hype — focusing on substance
35:00 – Highlight: J.Lo calling his donut “the best ever”
35:30 – Why celebrity validation was never the goal
36:00 – The legacy of every person who worked with him
36:30 – Shoutout to the entire Miami community
37:00 – Final thoughts on starting over with purpose
38:00 – Gratitude for the support and love from Miami
39:00 – Why relationships are the real ROI
40:00 – Outro: “This isn’t the end — it’s a new beginning”
Connect with me on my instagram:
🤳Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emiguerra99/
Listen to my podcasts on:🍎Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/industry-talks-hospitality-podcast/id1790526837
🍏Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5Qqf1YkCmKKL0nEH9J5rAv
Check out my hospitality businesses on Instagram:
🏨 Breakwater Hospitality Group: https://www.instagram.com/breakwaterhg/
🏨The Wharf Miami: https://www.instagram.com/wharfmiami/
🏨The Wharf Fort Lauderdale: https://www.instagram.com/wharfftl/
🏨PIER 5: https://www.instagram.com/pier5bayside/
🏨JohnMartin’s: https://www.instagram.com/johnmartinsmiami/
🏨Carousel Club: https://www.instagram.com/carouselclb/
🏨Regatta Grove: https://www.instagram.com/regattagrove/
🏨Riverside Wharf: https://www.instagram.com/riversidewharf/
Thank you for your support. If you aren’t already subscribed, do subscribe to the channel for our latest episodes. Cheers!
Tuesday Feb 11, 2025
Tuesday Feb 11, 2025
Step behind the scenes of Miami’s vibrant hospitality world with Industry Talks. This podcast dives into the stories of the visionaries, creators, and entrepreneurs shaping South Florida’s iconic restaurants, bars, hotels, and entertainment scene. From insider tips to untold struggles and inspiring wins, we explore what it takes to make Miami one of the most exciting places in the world. Whether you’re a hospitality enthusiast, an entrepreneur, or someone who loves great stories, Industry Talks is your all-access pass to the magic of hospitality.
Tuesday Feb 11, 2025
Tuesday Feb 11, 2025
He turned a family-run fish shack into one of America’s Top 100 restaurants. Dave Garcia opens up about legacy, hardship, seafood, and what it really takes to run one of Miami’s most beloved food institutions.
From losing his father and uncles, to carrying the Garcia Brothers torch into a new era, Dave shares the story behind La Camaronera and Captain Jim’s — and the secret to Miami’s most iconic fried shrimp sandwich.
He discusses:
-How a side-of-the-road fish fryer in Cuba inspired his business-Why Guy Fieri changed everything overnight-How he handles restaurants copying his menu (and using his photo)-The struggle of sourcing real local seafood today-Why influencers make him skeptical-His favorite dishes, restaurants, and life lessons as a business owner and single dad
⏱️ Timestamps
00:00 – Intro: “King of Seafood in Miami”
00:50 – Dave’s deep friendship with the host since teenage years
01:18 – Being named one of the top 100 restaurants by NY Times
02:00 – Childhood memories at the restaurant; unorthodox beginnings
03:10 – Importance of legacy and family journey from Cuba
05:05 – Carrying forward a generational business
06:45 – Learning from his father and uncle
08:15 – Garcia’s on the River – backstory of their family roots
09:40 – What sets their seafood apart
10:55 – The pressure of maintaining the Garcia name
12:05 – Sons joining the business or choosing other paths
13:20 – Appearing on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives
14:45 – Impact of that TV feature on their brand
16:00 – Giving back to the community
17:30 – Miami hospitality scene then vs. now
18:45 – Collaborations and partnerships
20:00 – Being true to their food and roots
22:00 – Running a business in the social media age
23:30 – Legacy talk: “I hope my kids pick up where we left off”
25:00 – Advice for young entrepreneurs
26:30 – Cuban work ethic and staying authentic
28:00 – Favorite dishes and customer stories
30:00 – Why people keep coming back
32:00 – What success really means to Dave
33:30 – Final reflections on family, food, and legacy
35:00 – Outro and shoutouts
Connect with me on my instagram:
🤳Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emiguerra99/
Connect with Dave Garcia:
🤳Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrdavegarcia/
Listen to my podcasts on:🍎Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/industry-talks-hospitality-podcast/id1790526837
🍏Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5Qqf1YkCmKKL0nEH9J5rAv
Check out my hospitality businesses on Instagram:
🏨 Breakwater Hospitality Group: https://www.instagram.com/breakwaterhg/
🏨The Wharf Miami: https://www.instagram.com/wharfmiami/
🏨The Wharf Fort Lauderdale: https://www.instagram.com/wharfftl/
🏨PIER 5: https://www.instagram.com/pier5bayside/
🏨JohnMartin’s: https://www.instagram.com/johnmartinsmiami/
🏨Carousel Club: https://www.instagram.com/carouselclb/
🏨Regatta Grove: https://www.instagram.com/regattagrove/
🏨Riverside Wharf: https://www.instagram.com/riversidewharf/
Thank you for your support. If you aren’t already subscribed, do subscribe to the channel for our latest episodes. Cheers!
Thursday Jan 16, 2025
Thursday Jan 16, 2025
He threw the parties that defined an era, built clubs that shaped Miami’s identity, and turned South Beach into a global nightlife icon.
In this episode, Tony Guerra reveals how it all happened — from block parties in Philly to legendary nights at Bash, The Forge, and beyond. He shares wild behind-the-scenes stories, the mentors who shaped him, and the secrets to building hospitality that lasts decades.
He discusses:
-The first 1,000-person keg party that started it all
-How Bash Nightclub became a celebrity magnet
- His modeling stint in Barcelona that changed everything
-The VIP illusion that ran South Beach
-Why “fusion” dining is killing culinary culture
-The truth behind his family's pig roast legacy
⏱️ Timestamps:
00:00 – Intro: Emi welcomes Tony Guerra
00:50 – Tony’s early party days in Philadelphia (1995 keg party)
02:10 – Starting out at Bash Nightclub in 1996
03:30 – How Bash was built on fashion, mystique & energy
04:40 – Working with Jerry Kelly and the “smoke & mirrors” effect
06:00 – Bash and the birth of Miami’s velvet rope culture
07:20 – The wild dress code (no khakis allowed)
08:30 – Why Bash wasn’t just about celebrities — it was about style
09:45 – Modeling in Barcelona & bumping into Sharif Malnik
11:00 – Getting a call from The Forge while still in Spain
11:45 – The Forge: What it taught him about white-glove hospitality
13:10 – Sharif Malnik’s mentorship & the team culture at The Forge
14:25 – Why The Forge was like a hospitality MBA
15:00 – Running high-end restaurants vs. nightclubs
16:00 – Tony’s top 3 parties of all time
16:30 – #1: Miss Universe Afterparty in Puerto Rico (with Ricky Martin)
17:10 – #2: Playboy Mansion Lingerie Party (Versace robe moment)
17:45 – #3: Swedish House Mafia Masquerade Motel in Miami
18:30 – Why he thinks those parties stand the test of time
19:15 – Emi reflects on Tony’s eye for style and crowd energy
20:10 – How their party mindset translated into business success
21:00 – Why Miami gets underestimated — and why it shouldn't
22:10 – Tony: “If you didn’t like Miami, you didn’t do it right”
23:00 – Hospitality trends they love and hate
23:45 – Why “fusion leads to confusion”
24:40 – Simplicity wins: Five Guys and well-executed concepts
25:30 – The challenge of trying too hard to be trendy
26:10 – Brands trying to copy The Forge or Bash — but missing the soul
27:15 – Tony’s pig roast legacy with his dad
28:15 – Why roasting a pig became a cultural bridge
29:00 – How it evolved into full-blown events with A-Rod Corp
29:45 – Final thoughts: What hospitality taught Tony about life
30:30 – Outro and reflections from Emi
Connect with me on my instagram:
🤳Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emiguerra99/Connect with Tony Guerra:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tonyguerra305
Listen to my podcasts on:🍎Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/industry-talks-hospitality-podcast/id1790526837
🍏Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5Qqf1YkCmKKL0nEH9J5rAv
Check out my hospitality businesses on Instagram:
🏨 Breakwater Hospitality Group: https://www.instagram.com/breakwaterhg/
🏨The Wharf Miami: https://www.instagram.com/wharfmiami/
🏨The Wharf Fort Lauderdale: https://www.instagram.com/wharfftl/
🏨PIER 5: https://www.instagram.com/pier5bayside/
🏨JohnMartin’s: https://www.instagram.com/johnmartinsmiami/
🏨Carousel Club: https://www.instagram.com/carouselclb/
🏨Regatta Grove: https://www.instagram.com/regattagrove/
🏨Riverside Wharf: https://www.instagram.com/riversidewharf/