In the world of hospitality, excellence is not just a goal, it’s a standard. And for over two decades, Vida & Estilo Hospitality Group has been setting the bar high. Established in 1997, Vida & Estilo Hospitality Group is a renowned hospitality company that has been consistently delivering exceptional dining and lodging experiences to its customers.
With a portfolio of award-winning restaurants and hotels across the United States, the company’s commitment to excellence is evident in every aspect of its operations. From its humble beginnings to its current status as a leader in the hospitality industry, Vida & Estilo Hospitality Group has remained dedicated to its core values of quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction.
In an interview with Matias Pesce, CEO and owner, we delve into the company’s story, its position in the industry, and its vision for the future.
Before we delve into the company, tell us a bit about your story—your educational and professional background and what got you where you are today.
My name is Matias Pesce. I was born in Argentina and have held executive positions for more than 25 years across Latin America and the US. Eight years ago, I moved to Miami with my family. I pursued my undergraduate studies at Universidad Argentina de Empresas (UADE) in Argentina, where I graduated as an Accountant (CPA). I then completed my Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) at Universidad del Cema (UCEMA) in Argentina, followed by a Master in Finance (MSF) at Florida International University in the US.
I was responsible for conducting financial audits for major companies both in Argentina and globally. This experience provided me with a solid foundation in finance, business operations, client management, internal controls, corporate governance, and leadership.
Following my tenure at PwC, I held various executive positions in some of the world’s largest Oil and Gas companies. These roles allowed me to gain extensive experience in specific areas relevant to your roles, such as strategic planning, financial management, operational efficiency, etc.]. In 2016 I moved to Miami and began my journey with V&E Hospitality Group (V&E). Outside of my professional career, I practiced Judo, a Japanese martial art, and won the Argentina Championship five consecutive times, along with other national and international tournaments and competitions. I was honored to represent the Argentina National Judo Team in several international competitions, which is a testament to my commitment, discipline, and perseverance.
Today, my journey combines a robust professional background with a personal commitment to excellence, both of which I bring to my current role as CEO of a V&E group comprising approximately 30 establishments. Overseeing such a diverse portfolio requires strategic vision, operational expertise, and an unwavering dedication to quality and innovation.
What was the story behind the ideation of V&E Hospitality Group?
Vida & Estilo Hospitality Group (VEHG) was established in 1997 with our first restaurant named Oh Mexico in Española Way, Miami Beach-Florida. Since that, we have continued creating concepts and expanding them along South Florida and Las Vegas. I joined V&E Hospitality Group in 2017 following our founders’ vision to create a group of restaurants with a portfolio that includes different concepts and brands based on the three main pillars: outstanding food and beverage offerings, exceptional customer service, and an inviting ambiance.
I am excited about the opportunity to leverage my extensive experience and skills to contribute to the continued expansion and success of V&E. My focus remains on driving growth, enhancing our brand reputation, and ensuring that each restaurant thrives in a competitive market. Together with our talented team, I am committed to pushing the boundaries of culinary excellence and achieving new milestones for our group.
The name Vida Estilo meaning lifestyle in Spanish, encapsulates our vision. We aimed to offer more than just a place to dine or stay; we wanted to provide a lifestyle experience that guests would cherish and remember. From coffee shops to hotels in vibrant cities, each of our properties was designed to reflect the unique essence and experience of its location.
We started small, with our first Mexican restaurant in 1997 to our more than 30 restaurants, two hotels and more than 13 brands, now we are focused on sustainability, incorporating eco-friendly practices and locally sourced materials in the construction and operation. This commitment to sustainability, combined with our dedication to outstanding service, quickly earned us a loyal following and setting the standard for future projects.
As we expanded, we maintained our core values of family culture, excellence, teamwork, adaptability, integrity, diversity, social responsibility, and innovation. Our properties began to receive accolades and recognition within the industry, further fueling our ambition to grow and evolve. Today, Vida & Estilo Hospitality Group is synonymous with excellence, culture, and unparalleled guest experiences.
Could you please give an overview of the company and its position in the industry?
Vida & Estilo is a national restaurant and hotel group based in Miami. VEHG has been a leader in the hospitality industry and the communities where we operate. With a diverse portfolio of restaurants offering Cuban, Mexican, Italian, American, and Japanese cuisines, VEHG is one of South Florida’s largest hospitality groups.
Recognized among the top 25 most influential independent restaurant groups by ‘Nation’s Restaurant News’ in America as well as awarded with the Key to the City of Miami Beach for our commitment and contribution to the city and its community, VEHG operates over 26 dining establishments in Miami and four in Las Vegas, including full-service restaurants and 4 fast casual Cuban Coffee Shops. Comprising industry professionals, VEHG seamlessly combines traditional, lifestyle, and nightlife concepts to create unique and memorable dining experiences. With a proven track record of success, Vida & Estilo Hospitality Group stands as a beacon of innovation and excellence in the US hospitality landscape.
As an entrepreneur, what do you consider to be your biggest struggle in this field? What lessons have you learned along the journey?
As an entrepreneur in the hospitality field, one of the biggest struggles I’ve faced is balancing the pursuit of innovation with the realities of operational challenges. The hospitality industry is incredibly dynamic, with guest expectations constantly evolving and competition becoming increasingly fierce. Keeping up with these changes while maintaining a high standard of service and managing day-to-day operations can be quite demanding and we have to have and develop a great professional team to be successful in this industry along the journey.
We have several big struggles in this industry. One significant struggle was the initial phase of establishing and transforming Vida & Estilo Hospitality Group into the successful company it is today. Transforming our vision into a tangible reality required meticulous planning, substantial financial investment and discipline, and a dedicated professional team. The statistics show that 80% of new restaurants will close for business during the first 2 years of operation. The high competition level, inflation, recession, smarter consumers, and new sophisticated and professional players in our market is a big everyday challenges for our industry.
Another major challenge has been adapting to unforeseen circumstances, such as economic downturns or global events like the COVID-19 pandemic. These events have a profound impact on the hospitality industry, affecting occupancy rates, revenue streams, and overall business sustainability. Navigating these turbulent times required resilience, strong adaptability to changes, quick thinking, and the ability to pivot strategies effectively not only short-term but also long-term.
What are V&E Hospitality Group’s mission, vision, and values?
Our mission at V&E Hospitality Group is to create memorable experiences that delight and inspire our guests. Our vision is to be a global leader in the hospitality industry, known for our innovative approach and commitment to excellence.
Our core values include family culture, virtue, excellence, teamwork, adaptability, integrity, diversity, social responsibility, innovation, and hospitality. We believe in building a brand that not only stands out for its quality and innovation but also operates responsibly and ethically.
What unique approach do you undertake to seamlessly integrate gastronomy, mixology and entertainment?
At V&E Hospitality Group, we believe in creating a holistic experience where each element —food, drinks, entertainment, and ambiance —complements and enhances the other. Our unique approach involves a collaborative effort between chefs, mixologists, and entertainment professionals to craft cohesive and immersive experiences. We focus on curating menus and drink selections that not only pair well but also align with the theme of our entertainment offerings. Additionally, we invest in cutting-edge technology and innovative concepts to keep our offerings memorable experiences for our guests.
How has your company evolved and made its mark over the past few years?
Over the past few years, V&E Hospitality Group has grown significantly, expanding our portfolio of venues and enhancing our brand presence. We have introduced several new concepts and innovative offerings that have resonated well with our target audience. Our commitment to quality and customer excellence has helped us build a strong reputation in the industry. We have also embraced digital transformation, leveraging technology to improve operational efficiency and enhance the guest experience. Our evolution is a testament to our ability to adapt to market trends and our relentless pursuit of excellence.
In what ways has the company adjusted to the dynamic demands, changing preferences, and unique needs of the people?
We stay attuned to the latest trends and feedback from our guests to ensure that our offerings remain relevant and appealing. This involves regularly updating our menus (menu engineering), introducing new entertainment options, taking care of a great ambiance, and enhancing our high-level service standards.
We also prioritize sustainability and health, incorporating locally sourced ingredients and offering a range of healthy and eco-friendly options. By being proactive and responsive to the evolving needs of our guests, we have been able to maintain our competitive edge and continue to delight our customers.
Being a leader, how do you approach innovation? What are the values that guide your leadership philosophy?
As a leader, I approach innovation with an open mind and a willingness to take risks and by fostering a culture of creativity, curiosity, transformation, and collaboration. Promoting continuous learning and developing staff are key components of my innovation strategy.
I am a strong believer in creating an environment where team members feel free to share and explore new ideas without fear of failure, promoting ongoing professional development to keep the team updated with the latest industry trends and technologies, prioritizing the needs and preferences of our customers to drive innovation that adds real value and embrace cutting-edge technologies to enhance our operations and improve the overall guest experience.
My main values that guide my leadership are integrity, empathy, creativity, curiosity, accountability, excellence, collaboration, resilience, teamwork, and continued improvement thinking.
How does your company plan to further innovate in the industry? What future vision do you have for your company?
Looking ahead, we plan to continue our focus on innovation by exploring new & any (because nostalgia sometimes is a powerful driver) culinary trends, incorporating advanced technology, and enhancing our entertainment offerings. I am working hard around innovative strategies. I am obsessed with integrating all the technology – Big Data – (POS, CRM, ERP, etc.) and personalized dining and guest experiences (loyalty programs, guest preferences, and recommend dishes and rooms based on past orders). Knowing your customers before visiting us will be the key shortly.
We aim to expand our footprint by bringing our unique blend of lodging, gastronomy, mixology, and entertainment to a wider audience. I am excited about the opportunity to leverage my extensive experience and skills to contribute to the continued expansion and success of V&E. My focus remains on driving growth, enhancing our brand reputation, and ensuring that each restaurant thrives in a competitive market. Together with our talented team, I am committed to pushing the boundaries of culinary excellence and achieving new milestones for our group.
What are your advice and tips for aspiring leaders, especially in your field?
Aspiring leaders in the hotel and restaurant industry should focus on strong communication, customer experience, and leading by example. Embrace innovation, invest in team development, and cultivate a strong brand identity. Prioritize sustainability, build relationships, and stay resilient and adaptable to changing circumstances.
Understanding financial management, leveraging technology, investing in human resources, building strong corporate governance (policies, procedures, and right processes), and maintaining high standards are crucial to success. Learn from feedback, maintain a healthy work-life balance, and stay passionate about your work to drive continuous improvement and long-term success. Be open to taking risks and lead with integrity, empathy, and a genuine desire to transform and make a positive impact in the industry and the people.
About Matias Pesce
As the CEO and Co-Owner of Vida & Estilo, Matias Pesce has been instrumental in shaping the hospitality group’s strategy, operations, and performance since joining the company in 2017. With over 20 years of global executive experience, he has led and managed multicultural teams across Latin America and the United States.
His expertise includes transforming companies into profitable entities, creating value for shareholders, and restructuring organizations to drive financial growth. Under his leadership, Vida & Estilo has made significant strides in corporate governance, process improvement, and financial performance. He has successfully guided the company towards sustainability, profitability, and stability. Matias is renowned for his exceptional innovation, dedication, and commitment to both the company and the communities it serves.
At Vida & Estilo Hospitality Group, our team of global experts masterfully weaves together tradition & lifestyle into a single vision, turning the essence of ‘life and style’ into vibrant, unforgettable realities.
