Jeff Zalaznik, Mario Carbone and Rich Torrisi.
Jeff Zalaznick, Mario Carbone and Rich Torrisi
Co-founders at Major Food Group
It takes a certain kind of chutzpah for the purveyors of elite Italian dining to concoct a Mexican classic in a historic French chateau — in Miami, of all places — but chutzpah is very much on the menu when it comes to Major Food Group, or the men behind it: restaurateur Jeff Zalaznick and chefs Rich Torrisi and Mario Carbone.
Major Food Group (MFG) closed out 2023 with the opening of an exclusive ZZ’s Club in Manhattan, and the showstopping Chateau ZZ’s in Miami’s Brickell — its first Mexican foray — inside the landmarked Petit Douy, built as a private residence in the 1930s.
“[It was an] opportunity to do something we’re really passionate about,” said Zalaznick. “We wanted great Mexican food in Miami so we felt like we had to do that ourselves.”
MFG also expanded the original Club ZZ’s in the Design District, doubling the space and adding a Japanese sports bar for members — another first for the global powerhouse and its ever-growing catalog of brands, cuisines and concepts.
But the real first is Major Food Group’s sortie into branded condos. The restaurant group partnered with David Martin’s Terra and One Thousand Group on Villa Miami, a 55-story condo in Edgewater with all the pizzazz that Major Food Group is known for. There will be a two-story Italian restaurant, a private club, a helipad, a marina and a floating pool in the bay. Plus, Major Food Group will program all the food. “Mario personally designed all the kitchens; we’ll curate your pantries, we’ll cook in your house,” Zalaznick said.
“If I was buying a space, I’d buy a place there, and not because it’s my building,” he added. “I’ve created exactly what I would want.”
MFG’s next major project in Miami is the replacement of the Nikki Beach day club in South of Fifth once the current owners’ lease expires. Miami Beach officials awarded the site to MFG in partnership with Boucher Brothers after an intense selection process.
More broadly, the group recently acquired Marea, a top Italian seafood restaurant brand, and Zalaznick sees that as the way forward. “We’ll continue to create new concepts, but we’re also looking for new brands to bring into the family,” he said.
