In this episode of Just the Tip, Felix Bendersky from F+B Hospitality Brokerage sits down with Derek Stilmann — one of Miami’s most respected bartenders and the creative mind behind Kaiju, recently recognized by 50 Best as one of the top bars in the world.
Derek has worked everywhere from Hillstone in Coral Gables to the legendary Broken Shaker, shaping Miami’s cocktail scene with his mix of precision, creativity, and unpretentious hospitality. Now, he’s gearing up to open his newest concept, Time and Place, a coffee-shop-meets-cocktail-bar in Miami’s booming Little River neighborhood.
This episode goes deep into what it actually takes to build a successful bar in Miami — from rent spikes and permitting nightmares to creating a brand that locals want to come back to again and again.
Whether you’re in hospitality, a cocktail nerd, or just someone who wants to understand how Miami bars really work, this conversation is loaded with insights.
🔥 In This Episode:
Derek’s journey from the culinary world to award-winning bartender
The creative philosophy behind Kaiju and how it became a Miami favorite
Why consistency is the real secret behind great cocktails
The challenges bartenders face opening a bar in Miami (that no one talks about)
What to expect from Time and Place in Little River
The future of Miami’s bar scene — and why it’s more exciting than ever
🗣️ Notable Quotes:
“Kaiju was the accumulation of everywhere I’ve worked — high execution, unpretentious, but with a Derek twist.”
“Miami is a small place. There are only so many spaces you can grow into.”
“Consistency is key. Doesn’t matter how creative you get — you have to repeat it.”
🎧 Tap in for a real behind-the-scenes look at the bar world from one of Miami’s best.
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Miami bars, Miami cocktail scene, Kaiju Miami, Derek Stilmann, Broken Shaker Miami, Miami nightlife, Miami hospitality industry, best bars in Miami, Miami bartenders, Time and Place Little River, Miami bar owners, Miami food and beverage podcast