Matthew Kusher

BID Board Member

Matthew Kuscher, often referred to as “Kush,” is the founder of several well-known Miami restaurants, including LoKal, Kush, Vicky’s House, Stephen’s Delicatessen, La Cocina, and Kush by Spillover. His background in hospitality runs deep—he is a third-generation restaurateur whose family history in the industry stretches back to the 1950s. His grandfather owned restaurants and bars in New York and South Florida, and his father operated cafeterias and a Dunkin’ Donuts franchise in Washington D.C. for decades.

Kuscher spent more than a decade in corporate hospitality before shifting direction to launch his own ventures. In 2011, he opened LoKal, a restaurant that marked the beginning of his move toward locally driven, sustainability-focused dining. Since then, his concepts have prioritized responsible sourcing and environmental consciousness. He often visits the farms and suppliers he works with—such as Fort McCoy Ranch and Clewiston Farms—to ensure their practices align with his standards.

Many of his restaurants incorporate recycled materials and artwork, with design elements intended to reduce waste and environmental impact. Local breweries also play a significant role in his menus, many of which partnered with him early in his career.

Originally from Washington D.C., Kuscher studied hospitality at Florida International University and went on to work with major groups like Levy and Hillstone. His time at Houston’s across the East Coast—and eventually in Miami—gave him hands-on experience in restaurant operations. That background, combined with early lessons from his father, shaped his approach to hospitality.

At the core of his work is a consistent focus: creating places where people feel welcome, where the ingredients are thoughtfully sourced, and where every guest leaves in a better mood than when they arrived.