We had the good fortune of connecting with Scott Frielich and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Scott, what’s something about your industry that outsiders are probably unaware of?
I would say the one thing about the hospitality industry that a lot of outsiders don’t realize is how much you have to rely on other people to be successful. There are so many moving parts in a restaurant and if one of those parts comes to a halt like a dishwasher not showing up for a shift it can destroy the entire flow of a restaurant. Every position is just as important as the next and being an owner you really have to be able to motivate, train, and build a culture to get your employees to thrive!
What should our readers know about your business?
I opened my first bar in the mid 90’s called Lost Weekend. We expanded to South Beach, Miami in 96 (both locations still open 24 years later! From there I opened close to 20 bars, nightclubs, and restaurants including refurbishing a historic landmark diner called Howleys. Eventually, our company turned into Subculture Hospitality Group. I would have to say the biggest challenge we had to face was the COVID Pandemic. We had to lay off 650 employees and close 16 stores. I’m thankful that most of our stores are back open and we have been able to hire back a good amount of our employees. I never imagined I would ever experience something like this that would affect the entire world at once. Its been a crazy year to say the least!
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would put them up in either the Boca Resort (my personal favorite), the Delano, or Edition in Maimi. For dinner, my top 3 would be Joes Stone Crab, Okeechobee Steak House ( An old school classic) and of course Dada in Delray. (maybe I’m bias) On a night out we would have to stop by Kapow! and Dubliner in Mizner Park then head to Atlantic Ave, Delray Beach for a nightcap at Honey Lounge!
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would start with Ian Shrager always cutting edge and original from studio 54 in the early days to hotels like the Edition and Delano. Stephan Starr who creates some of the most unique concepts and Danny Meyer who just seems to have his finger on the pulse of operations. On a more personal level would have to be my employees and partners, I would not be where I’m at today without surrounding myself with a great team of people!
Website: www.subculture.org. www.papichulotacos.com
Instagram: @subculturegroup @Papichulotacos
Facebook: SubcultureGroup Papichulotacos