Industry Legacy Santiago Rodriguez Brings European "Joie De Vivre" To Downtown Miami With Three New Venue Openings

MIAMI, Oct. 10, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- After almost 15 years with renowned restaurant group Nobu, acclaimed industry veteran Santiago Rodriguez has founded the new Vassili Group and is spearheading an ambitious undertaking of opening three upscale establishments never before seen in Miami. The Hoxton, Boxpark, and Harvey Wolf will bring an air of sophistication to the Brickell bar, lounge, and restaurant scene.

"The idea is that happy hour is continuous and you can spend your entire evening at these three venues. Patrons can join us at The Hoxton for a casual drink, go next door to Boxpark for a bite to eat, and end the evening at Harvey Wolf," Santiago Rodriguez explains. "You can meet with friends or work colleagues, watch the big game on the TV, or even be on a date."

Originally from Northern Spain, Rodriguez began his career with Nobu London in October 1998 as a bartender. The position gave him the unique opportunity of experimenting with new flavors and techniques in addition to working under Executive Chef Mark Edwards. While in London, Rodriguez met Nobu chef and owner, Nobu Matsuhisa. Impressed by Rodriguez's skills, Matsuhisa asked him to create a cocktail program for new restaurants. Following the success of the cocktail program, Rodriguez received a number of promotions culminating in his 2009 move to Director of Operations of Nobu Worldwide. In this role, Rodriguez opened many Nobu restaurants as well as oversaw Nobu's 24 venues worldwide, including Tokyo and Miami. After more than a decade of working with Nobu and traveling the world, Rodriguez decided to move forward with an opportunity that allowed him to create his own venue and stay in one place: Miami.

Acutely aware of the growing population of young professionals in Downtown Miami, Rodriguez believes Brickell is the optimal place to showcase his first three projects: The Hoxton, an "Urban Beach House"; Boxpark, an intimate restaurant; and Harvey Wolf, a dark, seductive lounge. The venues are largely influenced by Rodriguez's extensive travel and exposure to a variety of cultures, particularly the growth and vitality of Shoreditch, London. Moreover, Rodriguez's three establishments are inspired by the comfort of his family and friends. "It's the simple things like sitting in the family kitchen surrounded by great company; that's what life is all about," explains Rodriguez. "I want to create a venue where guests could feel comfortable, almost like they were in their friend's living room."

To help execute his vision, Rodriguez enlisted the help of the acclaimed interior designer Valerie Pasquiou and lighting specialist Ricardo Fernandez. "With such an ambitious undertaking, we knew we had to find a team who not only shared our vision, but could execute it flawlessly," Rodriguez explains. Pasquiou has 13 years of experience designing high-end residential, luxury commercial, and creative spaces for clients including Hermes, Ralph Lauren, and the New York MTV. As for Fernandez, he coordinated the construction of projects such as Buddakan Restaurant, Hakkasan, Fountainebleu, and several Nobu restaurants during his time at Isometrix Lighting and Design. Most recently, Fernandez created the lighting concepts for architectural spaces the Mandarin Oriental in China and the W Hotel in Hoboken, N.J.

The Hoxton will open in late October 2012 at 1111 SW 1st Ave., Miami, Fla., followed by the openings of Boxpark and Harvey Wolf. For more information, please contact The brpr Group at 305.573.1439.

About The Vassili Group

Founded in May 2012 by industry veteran Santiago Rodriguez, the Vassili Group brings a touch of sophisticated comfort to Miami's restaurant and nightlife scene. After 15 years at the prestigious Nobu restaurant group, Rodriguez left his tenure as Director of Operations Nobu Worldwide to pursue his lifelong dream of owning and operating his own restaurant. In fall of 2012, the Vassili Group raised the bar and debuted The Hoxton, Boxpark, and Harvey Wolf, three innovative venues in Miami's Brickell neighborhood. Inspired by Rodriguez's travels to Shoreditch, London, The Hoxton, Boxpark, and Harvey Wolf deliver three unique experiences founded on the celebrated theme of comfortable European socializing over delicious drinks, great food, and good company. The Hoxton, an "Urban Beach House," features traditional New England fare housed in a cozy, Hamptons-style setting; Boxpark provides an intimate restaurant environment, complete with communal and in-kitchen seating; and Harvey Wolf, a dark, seductive lounge, rounds out the trio, offering live entertainment throughout the week.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Julia Ford-Carther
brpr group
julia@brprgroup.com
O: 305.573.1439
www.brprgroup.com

SOURCE The Vassili Group