Check out the three new hotspots opening tonight in Miami! Ahead of the holiday weekend, David Grutman of Groot Hospitality is debuting Winker’s, Toothfairy, and S.F.C (Sushi Fly Chicken) at 1575 Alton Road. It’s the first time Grutman’s group is opening three places at once, and he couldn’t be more excited. Let’s dive into what he’s been up to!
You’ve been quite busy! Do you drink coffee? How do you take it?
I drink espresso. Sometimes a single shot, sometimes a double, depending on how much I need to get done.
This is your first time launching three new spots at once. Can you tell us about them?
I’ve had my eye on this iconic former Firestone tire garage on Alton Road for a while. I thought, ‘Why not create something unique?’ So, we turned it into three different restaurants under one roof. We have Toothfairy, our bakery and ice cream shop with a nostalgic yet Instagram-friendly vibe. There’s Winker’s, my take on a modernized classic diner. And then there’s Sushi Fly Chicken, which is part takeout restaurant and part bar and lounge, inspired by Tokyo’s underground scene with a Miami twist.
Winker’s is named after a cat. Are you still an animal lover? What’s your spirit animal?
Winker’s is named after our current family cat. He’s got one eye, and my daughters adore him. The name honors his role in our lives and adds a sense of family to the place. I love animals, but I’ve never thought about my spirit animal. Probably something that never stops moving.
What was the design inspiration for each place?
S.F.C channels Tokyo’s bar scene with a fantastic 75-foot mural by Miami artist Santlov, featuring animé and manga figures. The opposite wall has five standout prints by Fin DAC, and we’ve got zig-zag neon lights that make it feel like a futuristic subway station. Winker’s has an Art Deco theme with starburst and surfboard-tail wall panels, Pullman leather booths, metal accents, and a peninsula bar, blending vintage and modern elements. Toothfairy is an Instagrammer’s dream with an all-over ombré paint scheme, shifting from pink to blue.
Where do you find inspiration?
When I need inspiration or just a break, I head to the tennis court. I try to play every day. I also go to my villa in Turks & Caicos to recharge.
If you had to choose just one treat from Toothfairy, what’s your favorite?
It’s hard to pick a favorite! Our chef, Dallas Wynne, has been named Miami’s best pastry chef twice. Everything she makes is amazing.
What’s new with your tennis-themed brand, Prince?
There’s a lot in the works with Prince. We’ve got two major collaborations coming up: one with Melissa Wood Health by Melissa Wood-Tepperberg, and one with Reebok. The Reebok collab is super Miami and super bright. I love that both Prince and Reebok bring a modern twist to their strong legacies in tennis.
What’s your favorite part of your job?
The people. Whether it’s someone visiting one of our spots for the first time or a celebrity who’s been to LIV a hundred times, my goal is to make sure everyone has a great time. We’re in the fun business, and seeing our guests enjoy themselves is the best feeling.
What did you want to be when you grew up?
I think I always leaned toward hospitality, even if I didn’t realize it when I was younger. I’m so glad I didn’t stick with my original plan after college, which was to go into insurance. No thanks!
What makes you proud?
My family, my Groot Hospitality team, and Miami overall. It’s the best.
What’s next?
We’re going global. Keep an eye out!