When Matt Kuscher opened his burger and beer joint, Lokal, in 2011, it was Miami’s introduction to a passionate restaurateur who has since become one of Miami’s culinary driving forces.
Through the years, Kuscher opened other concepts including Kush in Wynwood, Kush Hialeah at the iconic Stephen’s Deli, and Kush by Spillover. But something was being made that was far more important than burgers and sandwiches: community. Over the years, his restaurants have doubled as gathering places, fundraiser sites, and homages to Miami pop culture as evidenced by a featured Walter Mercado-themed bathroom. Kuscher has also raised awareness for various organizations, and teaches hospitality classes at Florida International University.
Now, Kuscher is making some changes. Recently, he announced on social media that he would be closing his much-loved Lokal in Coconut Grove, citing rent increases. On a lighter note, Wynwood’s Kush will be finally reopening after four years of renovation to the building that houses it.
In addition, the building, located at 2003 N Miami Avenue, will house a number of affordable studio apartments, in cooperation with the Omni Community Redevelopment Agency. “The Omni CRA is what saved me. They came through to finish the transaction of being able to finance this,” says Kuscher. The apartments are the start of something bigger for the restaurateur and entrepreneur. “I’m really trying to get into this affordable housing/restaurant mixed use world. This is my next passion.”
Kuscher says that building affordable housing — especially for hospitality industry workers — makes sense for the community and for business owners who truly want to be in it for the long run. “This is not a one and done. My goal is to be doing this again and again. I want to do something good, plus it’s good business.”
Construction should be complete in the next 60 days or so, with the restaurant planning a summer opening. Once it does, Kush Wynwood will have some upgrades including a 12-seat bar and cocktails. Kuscher’s goal is to partner with an up and coming bartender who’s ready to create their own menu and take the next step before investing in a bar of their own.
The food menu will be a “best of” of Kush restaurants: the Jewban and matzo ball soup from Kush Hialeah, the French onion burger from Cafe Kush, the grouper Reuben from Kush Spillover, Lokal’s chicken and waffles, and Kush’s Johnny Utah are all some of the favorites making a grand return under one roof.
Some things aren’t changing, like quality and value. Kuscher says that burgers will be made with meat ground in house, and topped with cheese sliced to order. The cost for a burger? About $16 with a side. Asked how he can keep prices reasonable for customers, Kuscher has a quick — yet profound answer. “I’m in it for the long haul. If that’s what it takes — if I make a penny instead of a dollar, that’s fine. That’s why I’m here.”
