Meet Kayvon Webster

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kayvon Webster and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kayvon, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Starting my own business came from a deep desire to take control of my future, create meaningful impact, and turn my vision into reality. I saw a gap in the market—one that aligned with both my passions and my purpose—and I knew I had the experience, grit, and creativity to fill it.

The journey began with a simple but powerful question: “How can I solve a real problem while building something that lasts?” From there, it became about more than just profitability. It became a mission—to serve my community, empower others, and leave a legacy that reflects not only what I’ve built, but who I am.

Entrepreneurship is about more than risk—it’s about responsibility. The responsibility to innovate, to lead, and to rise after every setback. That mindset is what shaped the foundation of my business and continues to fuel its growth today.

I appreciate your interest in my story and the space to inspire others who may be standing at the edge of their own journey.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My professional journey has been anything but traditional, and that’s exactly what makes it powerful. I started as a student-athlete, eventually becoming a Super Bowl champion in the NFL. But my identity was never limited to the field. I always knew I wanted to create something bigger than myself—something that would empower others long after the final whistle.

What sets me apart is my ability to turn adversity into fuel. Every setback became a setup for a new chapter. After football, I transitioned into entrepreneurship, building multiple restaurant concepts, launching a youth foundation, and creating platforms like “Our Inventors” to honor unsung heroes of our culture.

It wasn’t easy. I had to relearn business, embrace leadership, and develop systems from the ground up. I’ve faced self-doubt, financial risk, and the pressure of leading in unfamiliar territory. But through faith, discipline, and the people God placed around me, I stayed the course.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned? Reinvention is not failure—it’s growth. Your past doesn’t define you. What you do with the lessons does.

I want the world to know that my story isn’t just mine. It’s a blueprint for anyone who’s ever wanted to pivot, to rise again, and to lead with purpose. My brand stands for resilience, legacy, and building platforms that serve the next generation.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
my best friend was visiting South Florida for a week, I’d give them a curated experience—equal parts culture, food, and legacy. Every stop would reflect the spirit of the city and the work I’ve poured into it.

Day 1: We’d kick things off with brunch at Smith & Webster Miami, one of my flagship restaurants. It’s upscale, soulful, and unapologetically flavorful. After brunch, we’d explore Wynwood Walls, then head to The Citadel for rooftop vibes and a sunset toast.

Day 2: I’d take them to Smith & Webster Coral Springs to show how we brought the same energy north, tailored to a different community. Dinner there hits different, especially when you know the story behind it.

Day 3: Time for beach and boats—Haulover Beach, jet skis, or a yacht rental to reset. That evening, we’d head to Dream Restaurant Lounge—a spot I helped open with my food truck and provided full layout and business planning support for. That place was built with passion, and the energy there still reflects that.

Day 4: We’d dive into the heart of Miami—Little Haiti, Liberty City, Overtown. Lunch would be at Geraldine’s & Eula Mae’s, my takeout kitchen that honors tradition and feeds the culture. That southern hospitality hits every time. From there, I’d show them Brandon Bistro, my second restaurant, which helped shape my transition from athlete to entrepreneur.

Day 5: A recovery day at The Standard or Carillon Spa—then a late-night bite at 4AM, a unique restaurant concept where I personally assisted the chef with menu design. It’s for the real night owls who appreciate high-quality food after hours.

Day 6: We’d connect with the city—maybe a pop-up dinner, private chef tasting, or music event with creatives and leaders in the community. I often curate or attend these moments, so they’d get an inside look at what makes the city move.

Day 7: Church, reflection, and a powerful Sunday meal—either back at Smith & Webster or Geraldine’s & Eula Mae’s. We’d close out with a toast to growth, legacy, and the beauty of being rooted in purpose.

Every stop tells a story—and I’d want my friend to leave feeling like they experienced more than just a city. They’d feel the movement.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
First and foremost, I want to shout out my family—the ones who saw greatness in me long before I could see it in myself. Their prayers, patience, and presence gave me the foundation to believe I could do something bigger than my circumstances.

To my mentors and close friends, thank you for the tough conversations, the wisdom, and the moments you reminded me to keep my standards high even when the pressure was higher.

A special shoutout goes to my team, past and present. You all helped bring my vision to life—day in and day out—with hustle, heart, and loyalty. This wouldn’t be possible without you.

To the communities that embraced me, who showed love even when I was just getting started, thank you. Your energy gave me fuel. Your feedback helped me grow.

And lastly, to the books, experiences, and even setbacks that tested me—thank you for sharpening my character. I truly believe pressure makes diamonds, and my story is proof of that.

This shoutout isn’t to just one person—it’s to every soul who ever poured into me. You helped shape the man and the mission. I’ll never forget that.

Website: https://Kayvonwebster.com

Instagram: Smithandwebster / smithandwebstercoral / geulamaes / vybe305 / Brandonbistro / dreamhookahlounge

Twitter: Kayvon