"From bartending in Miami to building one of South Florida’s top hospitality groups, Tim Petrillo has done it all."
In this episode of Coffee with Cagnetta, Andy Cagnetta sits down with Tim Petrillo, Co-Founder & CEO of The Restaurant People (TRP Group)—the powerhouse behind some of Fort Lauderdale’s most iconic restaurants, including YOLO, Boatyard, Rooftop, and more.
Tim shares his journey from bar manager to real estate investor, how TRP became a leader in hospitality, and why unreasonable hospitality, social media, and experience-driven dining are reshaping the restaurant industry.
🔥 Topics Covered:
✅ What it’s really like to build and run a restaurant empire
✅ How customer experience & social media drive modern hospitality
✅ Why lighting a tomahawk steak on fire became a $1M marketing move
✅ The future of Fort Lauderdale’s food scene — and the push for Michelin
✅ How TRP leverages real estate strategy to power restaurant expansion
✅ Why restaurants today must be both show & substance
🎯 Who Should Watch This Episode:
🔹 Restaurant owners & hospitality entrepreneurs
🔹 Real estate investors eyeing hospitality
🔹 Business leaders interested in customer experience & brand strategy
🔹 Anyone curious about the business of food, growth, and community
🔔 Subscribe for more inspiring conversations with business leaders & creators shaping the future of work, lifestyle, and impact.
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