Podcast S2
Podcast S2: Chef Michael Schwartz, The Genuine Hospitality Group
With a career that helped define Miami’s dining scene, James Beard Award–winning Chef Michael Schwartz has become one of the most influential figures in modern American hospitality. As the founder of Genuine Hospitality Group and the creative force behind beloved restaurants like Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink and Amara at Paraiso, he’s built a culinary empire rooted in honesty, flavor, and community.
Date
10/21/2025
Author
Team Coeus
Chef Michael Schwartz’s journey is one of evolution and resilience, from pioneering the farm-to-table movement in South Florida to navigating the “clubstauraunt” culture shaped by social media.
In our conversation, Michael shares how he became the king of South Florida hospitality, why opening restaurants today is more complex than ever, and how the pandemic reshaped Miami’s food landscape. Leon even joins him in the kitchen to make (and eat) pizza while discussing the future of the restaurant industry. From cooking tips and business insights to his next chapter with Genuine Hospitality Group, this episode is a candid look at what it takes to build a timeless culinary brand in a world that changes by the day.
Timestamps:
0:00 Intro
0:34 Disclaimer
1:05 How He Became the King of South Florida Hospitality
9:36 From James Beard Winner to Michelin Bib Gourmand
15:07 Miami's "Clubstauraunt" Culture & Social Media
22:48 Why Opening Restaurants Has Become More Complicated
26:40 Did COVID Gentrify Miami?
30:30 We Make Pizza! (And We Discuss It)
53:55 Pizza Ready! (And We Eat It)
59:08 The Future of the Restaurant Industry
1:06:45 This or That
1:11:44 Home Cooking Tips
1:15:03 Rapid Fire Reactions
1:19:46 The Next Chapter of Genuine Hospitality Group
1:23:02 Plugs & Where to Find Him