David Grutman

David Grutman’s accomplishments in turning Groot Hospitality into a major force in high-end South Florida dining, entertainment and hospitality were already such that no less a behemoth than Live Nation Entertainment purchased 51 percent of the company for $50 million back in 2019.

So how does a nightlife impresario follow that? By taking the impact he’s had on one of America’s trendiest regions and spreading it nationwide.

First, the Miami region. Grutman’s mega-successful Miami Beach venues now include the LIV nightclub at the Fontainebleau; the Goodtime Hotel and its combination restaurant/bar/swim club Strawberry Moon, plus the restaurant/lounge Swan, all in partnership with Pharrell Williams; Papi Steak, which features a 48-ounce prime porterhouse for $245; and Gekko, Grutman’s Japanese steakhouse with music superstar Bad Bunny. He also has the storied three-story Komodo in Miami’s Brickell neighborhood, and recently opened the Italian restaurant Casadonna in partnership with New York nightlife impresario Noah Tepperberg.

Now, nationally. Grutman spent 2023 expanding his empire and influence, bringing his properties LIV, Komodo and Papi Steak to the Fontainebleau in Las Vegas, along with a new day club concept, LIV Beach.  Then, in December, Grutman announced the formation of DGN Studios, a production company repped by WME that, according to the Hollywood Reporter, includes a first-look deal with Peter Berg’s Emmy-winning production company Film 45. 

In keeping with his success in exporting the culture of Miami, initial projects for the company will include documentaries on David “Papi” Einhorn, who co-owns Papi Steak with Grutman, and South African DJ Black Coffee, whom Grutman got to know through his association with LIV.