PROFILE Exclusive: 12 Questions With Restaurant and Entertainment Mogul Mathieu Massa of Queen

PROFILEMiami had the exclusive opportunity to sit down with hospitality mogul and real estate investor Mathieu Massa, who recently opened Queen, one of Miami’s hottest new restaurants in the historic Paris Theater on Miami Beach’s Washington Avenue. Mathieu leads Mr. Hospitality Group, which has opened hotspots such as Marion, El Tucán and Queen. He also oversees Massa Investment Group LLC, a fully integrated investment firm specializing in real estate development and hospitality which he launched in 2007. Massa Investment Group recently revealed plans to acquire the former Starwood Capital HQ in Miami Beach with Robert Rivani’s Black Lion Investment Group for $82 million.

Born in the French Riviera, Mathieu Massa hails from a family of entrepreneurs. His early inspiration comes from a lineage of great men that dates back to his great-grandfather, Sylvain Emile Massa, who migrated from Italy and settled in Cannes, France in 1908. Guided by the family’s entrepreneurial spirit from generation to generation, Mathieu embarked on a start track of higher education receiving his MBA degree from the prestigious school H.E.C in Paris and Babson College in Boston.

After graduating in 2007, Mathieu settled in Miami where he launched his private equity firm Massa Investment Group LLC. Massa Investment Group is a fully integrated investment firm specializing in real estate development and hospitality. Though initially focused on purchasing distressed assets following the subprime crisis of 2008, the company comprises all aspects of real estate development—from due diligence and positioning to branding, marketing, construction, and design.

Mathieu founded Massa Construction Group in 2009 and is well-versed in projects spanning from commercial, and residential, to hospitality and mixed-use structures. Notable projects include an extravagant villa in Cannes, France, which sold for 13 million euros in 2017, alongside four sprawling waterfront homes in Miami Beach, developed between 2015 and 2019. Three of these residential projects occupy Prairie Avenue, while the pinnacle of luxury resides within the esteemed Sunset Islands III.

Mathieu’s step into the hospitality world would then come by chance when he was approached by the famed Bâoli Cannes team to assist with the restaurant operations of their new venture in Miami Beach, a small Italian restaurant on Collins Avenue, known as Vita. First, Mathieu purchased a 50% stake in the business in 2009, and two years later took on sole ownership, transforming the sleepy Italian restaurant into the thriving Bâoli Miami we know today. The biggest overhaul was by far the entertainment, Bâoli Miami was Miami Beach’s first supper club, introducing a sophisticated dinner party concept with late-night entertainment that’s now synonymous with the city’s nightlife scene. In 2014, after the immense success of Baoli, which was named one of the best restaurants in Florida, Mathieu founded Mr. Hospitality, which would soon become the driving force behind Miami’s most successful and upscale dining establishments.

In 2023, Mathieu revealed his plans to take over the historic Paris Theater building in Miami Beach and convert it into an unprecedented and exquisitely lavish destination for fine dining and entertainment under the esteemed operation of Mr. Hospitality Group. Led by Mathieu’s visionary leadership, the 23,000-square-foot Miami landmark was meticulously transformed into an ultra-luxurious modern Japanese restaurant and lounge, coined Queen Miami Beach. The $40-million-dollar redevelopment endeavor has introduced a new level of luxury dining, since opening its doors to the public in February 2023, and marks only the beginning of Mathieu's ambitious plans to further elevate and revitalize the premier hospitality development landscape in Miami Beach.

PROFILEmiami recently caught up with Mathieu following the launch of his newest addition to Queen Miami Beach, Queen Omakase, to see how he creates trailblazing venues giving guests a heightened, luxurious entertainment-driven experience and finding synergy between real estate and design, and investing:

PROFILEmiami (PM): Tell us about your roots? Where did you grow up? What is your background?

Matthew Massa (MM): I was born and raised in Cannes, France, a city famous for hosting the annual film festival on the French Riviera. After completing my education at a business school in France, I pursued an MBA at Babson College in Boston. In 2007, I made the decision to settle in Miami, opting to take a chance on a new path in a different location rather than returning to France to manage the family businesses, which included ventures in tires, wine, and horses, among others.

PM: How did you get involved in the hospitality industry? What was your first venture into hospitality?

MM: In 2009, I was approached by the owners of Baoli in Cannes to assist with their new venture in Miami Beach, which consisted of the restaurant operations of a small Italian restaurant on Collins Avenue and 19th Street called Vita. While my background was in real estate and finance, I quickly developed a passion for the hospitality and restaurant industry as I worked tirelessly on this project. Within a few months, I became a partner, and after a year and a half, I assumed sole ownership. This marked the beginning of Baoli Miami's transformation into the thriving establishment it is today.

PM: As a hospitality entrepreneur, where do you draw your inspiration? Is there a signature vibe or features of the hospitality experience that are unique to you and your institutions?

MM: I draw my inspiration from my travels around the world: Saint Tropez, Montecarlo, Ibiza, Japan, Brazil, China, Russia, etc.. What sets us apart as a business is our distinctive European approach to people, cuisine, and service. This international perspective infuses our institutions with a unique blend of influences and a signature vibe that differentiates us from the local competition.

PM: What are they keys to running a successful world class restaurant, like Queen, in a global city like Miami?

MM: Running a successful world-class restaurant in a global city like Miami, such as Queen, requires a commitment to excellence, discipline, and unwavering consistency. Attention to detail is key, ensuring that every aspect of the guest experience, from the cuisine to the ambiance, contributes to creating a special and memorable visit. Attentive hospitality, adaptability, and innovation are also key to staying ahead of evolving trends and guest preferences.

PM: Where did the idea for Queen come about? What inspirations helped you evolve the concept?

MM: The idea for Queen was born from the space itself, which possessed undeniable uniqueness, theatricality, and spectacle. The concept organically evolved around the distinctive characteristics and existing conditions of the real estate structure.

PM: How did you acquire the property and the journey to the grand opening?

MM: The journey to Queen's grand opening began with my decision to acquire the property in November 2019. However, in March 2020, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic brought uncertainty to the restaurant industry, with closures happening worldwide. I had to make a difficult decision about proceeding with the purchase. It was undoubtedly one of the most difficult choices I've ever made, but ultimately, it turned out to be the right one. It then took 3 years of tireless work and unwavering dedication to transform the property into what is now one of the world's most spectacular restaurants.

PM: What makes Queen so much different than any other dining experience in Miami?

MM: What distinguishes Queen is its exceptional attention to detail in crafting a truly immersive, theatrical guest experience. From the moment you step through the front entrance, you're enveloped in an atmosphere that seamlessly blends theatricality with elegance. The journey continues into the main dining room, where an open kitchen adds an interactive element to the guest’s dining experience. With multi-level spaces, state-of-the-art sound, lighting, video, and special effects, Queen sets the stage for a memorable evening. What truly sets Queen apart is its commitment to glamour and sophistication, from the meticulously curated decor and captivating art program to the elegant dress code and high-level execution of cuisine and service.

PM: Tell us about Queen Omakase. When did you decide to add the private omakase room dining component?

MM: This was decided during the design phase of the project, which actually took place during the middle of the covid lock down. Our primary objective was to introduce an exclusive, intimate, and captivating dimension to enhance our guests' experiences.

Omakase is one of the most demanding and respectful forms of dining between the Chef and the customer. What is different about curating the Queen Omakase experience for your guests? How is it different from other omakase experiences in Miami?

Our omakase room is designed to evoke the feeling of a residential open kitchen, creating an inviting and personalized atmosphere reminiscent of dining in someone's home. What truly sets us apart is the exclusive speakeasy-style access to the omakase room, guiding guests through the main kitchen and back-of-house areas for a very special and exciting journey. The omakase room itself is a masterpiece of posh, sophistication, and glamour. From the bamboo-style wallpaper to the custom Murano glass chandelier, vintage lighting fixtures, and art pieces, these elements combine to envelop guests in an atmosphere of elegance and refinement.

PM: Why did you choose Chef Max Kamakura to oversee Queen Omakase?

MM: Chef Max Kamakura was chosen to lead Queen Omakase due to his unique blend of traditional sushi expertise and innovative approach to Japanese cuisine. As a fourth-generation sushi chef from a family deeply rooted in tradition, Chef Max brings a wealth of experience and a commitment to excellence. What sets him apart is his ability to infuse traditional techniques with globally sourced ingredients, resulting in a one-of-a-kind culinary experience. Moreover, Chef Max's positive attitude and spirited energy add to the overall enjoyment of the intimate dining setting, which is important for the guest experience.

PM: What are some of Queen’s signature items that, as the owner, you would recommend to guests?

MM: First and foremost, I encourage guests to try our exquisite selection of meats, carefully sourced from top producers both in the United States and Japan. Some of our best-selling dishes, which I’d also highly recommend, include the Maitake Mushrooms, Avocado Tart, Caviar Crispy Rice, and the Cacio e Pepe Mushroom side dish, which has become a real crowd favorite.

PM: What does Queen’s opening and success mean to the city of Miami Beach?

MM: Queen's opening and success has brought a significant positive impact to the city of Miami Beach. City officials, including high-ranking figures, have expressed their pride in having such a prestigious establishment in a neighborhood that faced challenges in the past. Some city staff members have even noted that Queen's presence represents one of the most significant developments in the city in the last 25 years, comparable to the impact of notable establishments from the past. The success of Queen has revitalized the city's sense of glamour and elevated its culinary reputation. It has also caught the attention of accomplished restaurant operators, positioning Miami Beach as a competitive player alongside renowned dining destinations like Dubai, London, New York City, and Las Vegas. Queen's influence on the city is a clear indicator of its ability to reshape and enhance the dining and cultural landscape in Miami Beach.

PM: Do you intend to expand the Queen concept to other markets or is it to remain an exclusively South Beach experience?

MM: While I've received tempting offers to expand the Queen concept to various global markets like Dubai, Saudi Arabia, London, Ibiza, and Paris, I am committed to maintaining its exclusivity as a South Beach experience. After all, how many Paris Theaters can you find?

Images via Queen Miami Beach

Queen Miami Beach Reveals Exclusive 8-Seat High-End Speakeasy Style Omakase Experience

After a warm reception from patrons and gourmands, Queen Miami Beach has revealed one of her most-coveted hidden gems, nestled within her upper wing and peering into the grand dining room below. The intimate haven of glamour, design, and inimitable exclusivity is revealed as Queen Omakase, an exclusive eight-seat omakase bar led by third-generation sushi chef Max Kamakura. The new private dining enclave boldly presents an indulgent speakeasy-style omakase experience, open for reservation beginning April 27, 2023. Queen Miami Beach, a new concept from legendary restauranteur Matthew Massa’s Mr. Hospitality, has become one of the hottest restaurants and most unique luxury experiences in Miami since opening earlier this year.

Tucked within the walls of the Historic Paris Theater, Queen Omakase offers a premier ultra-luxury gastronomic experience to the already lauded Queen Restaurant and Lounge, complete with its own private entrance and elevated view of the universe below.

Upon arrival, guests are escorted by a dedicated VIP host through the main dining room before being led to the second-floor speakeasy lounge area where Queen Omakase lives. Concealed behind elegantly draped crimson-hued curtains, the secluded dining retreat opens up to an immaculately designed black Calacatta onyx-adorned bar surrounded by custom-made Bamboo Forest wallpaper, fabricated in Italy and color-customized by renowned designer Carlos Rodriguez. Dangling from the ceiling, a 1970s glass-blown Murano chandelier imbues the room with a sense of elegance and grandeur.

At the helm of Queen Omakase, Japanese-Brazilian classically trained, third-generation sushi chef, Max Kamakura will take guests on a multi-course journey through timeless Japanese traditions magnified through his distinctive modernist approach and well-traveled culinary experience.

“Over the course of my career, I have been fortunate enough to call numerous cities across several continents my home, which allowed me to deeply immerse myself in different local customs and traditions,” said Queen Omakase Executive Chef Max Kamakura. “Omakase to me is about conveying generations of stories through each meticulously crafted bite. Each dish represents a narrative that has been crafted over the course of many years, and guests will get to experience this through Queen Omakase.”

Queen Omakase perfectly fuses the rich tapestry of Japanese history with the vibrant energy that is quintessentially Miami. With an eight-top counter and only two seatings offered per night, exclusivity is as integral a part of the experience as the exceptional culinary programming, which will introduce a newly curated chef’s selections menu every three weeks. Bringing cooking techniques and quality ingredients to the forefront, guests can look forward to a premium selection of delicately composed nigiri and specialty Japanese dishes, prepared using ingredients from Japan and all around the globe.

Queen Omakase is open Tuesday through Saturday. The first seating is at 7:00 PM and the second seating is at 9:30 PM. Guests prepay in advance to confirm their seating and reservations can be made through OpenTable at $275 per person, plus tax and gratuity. If you have not been to an Omakase experience before, take note that as the chef curates the dishes live for each guest so if you are late they may start the experience without you.

Queen Omakase is located at The Paris Theater at 550 Washington Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139. Valet Parking is available at the front entrance and public parking garages are located at 555 Washington Ave. and 500 Collins Ave.

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Architectural images via Craig Dennis | Culinary images by Sebastian Bednarski