Miami Restaurateur David Foulquier on Building Iconic Restaurant Concepts
What does it really take to build restaurants that last — across pizza, sushi, fine dining, and neighborhood favorites?
In this episode of Just the Tip, we sit down with David Foulquier, one of Miami’s most influential restaurateurs and the creative force behind Fooq’s, 11 Street Pizza, Sushi Noz, and the highly anticipated Fooq’s Little River.
With roots shaped by New York City and a multicultural French-Persian background, David shares how obsession with greatness — not cuisine type — is his true competitive advantage.This conversation goes deep into the real decisions behind successful restaurant concepts, from choosing the right neighborhood and building aligned investor relationships to navigating COVID, the Michelin Guide’s arrival in Miami, and the evolving expectations of today’s diners.
Whether you’re a restaurant owner, hospitality investor, chef, or Miami food lover, this episode offers rare insight into how iconic dining brands are built — and rebuilt — over time.
🎙️ In This Episode, You’ll Learn:
Why core competency matters more than cuisine
How David scales excellence from New York style pizza to high-end sushi
The truth about opening restaurants in emerging Miami neighborhoods
What COVID permanently changed about restaurant operations
How Michelin recognition impacts Miami’s dining scene
Why team alignment and obsession with quality drive long-term success
How community demand shapes winning restaurant concepts
🔥 Key Quotes:
“My core competency is being great. It doesn’t discriminate from pizza to sushi.”
“Greatness begins with passion, obsession, and love for the game.”
“Miami is no longer just a food scene — it’s a culinary capital.”
📍 About the Guest:David Foulquier is a Miami-based restaurateur known for trend-defining concepts that balance innovation, consistency, and cultural depth. His restaurants have helped shape Miami’s rise as a global food destination while maintaining strong local followings.
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