Alex Neely
Chef Alex Neely, a name synonymous with culinary excellence, has been at the forefront of developing the gastronomic landscape at Kush Hospitality since 2016. With a career marked by passion, creativity, and an unwavering commitment to excellence, Chef Neely has not just led kitchens; he has redefined them.
Neely’s journey in the culinary world began at a young age, fueled by a deep-seated passion for cooking and an innate creativity that found its true calling in the kitchen. His early years were spent honing his skills before joining the Kush Hospitality team.
Chef Neely quickly established himself as a culinary innovator. Beyond his creativity, Chef Neely is known for his rigorous standards and commitment to excellence. Under his leadership, Kush Hospitality’s kitchens have been recognized for their exceptional quality and consistency thanks to the way Chef Neely fosters a culture of excellence among his team, mentoring and inspiring chefs to push the boundaries of their culinary artistry.
Chef Alex Neely’s impact on Kush Hospitality and the broader culinary world is indelible. His fusion of creativity, commitment to excellence, and ability to thrive under pressure has not only elevated the dining experience at Kush Hospitality but has also cemented his status as a true creative.
KUSH Hospitality Group
Founded in 2011, KUSH Hospitality Group (KHG) began with the mission to create and operate cutting-edge, one-of-a-kind concepts inspired by South Florida’s rich and diverse community. Every element of each KHG concept is hyper-curated by owner Matt Kuscher, from the menu design and art to merchandise and music. Each restaurant offers menus featuring locally sourced ingredients as well as interiors thoughtfully designed using primarily upcycled and environmentally friendly materials. In fact, KHG has become known as a local leader in eco-friendly practices, having received multiple awards acknowledging their conscious efforts. Kuscher’s goal is to provide the ultimate guest experience with stellar service, made-from-scratch food, and works by local artists carefully chosen so that each concept reflects its specific location and unique perspective on Miami life. KHG’s first concept, LoKal, pronounced [lo-ka’l], opened its doors in December 2011 in Coconut Grove with the intention of featuring ingredients and beers primarily from Florida. LoKal is the first restaurant in Miami-Dade County to use 100% clean, renewable energy sourced from wind and solar power. Other restaurants followed: Kush Wynwood, located in Miami’s Wynwood arts district, and its sister store next door, Botanica – both of which have become known for their expansive craft beer selection; Kush Coconut Grove, which offers sustainable seafood paired with eclectic cocktails, ciders, and meads; and Victoria’s Vinos y Vermut a natural wine bar located next door to LoKal and named after Kuscher’s mother. In the Spring of 2019, after close to two years of development and historically-minded redesign, KHG opened a carefully-refurbished incarnation of the legendary Kush Hialeah, which first opened in 1954 as Stephen’s Delicatessen. Accessible through Kush Hialeah as well as through its own entrance – in the former kitchen space – is La Cocina Cocteleria, Hialeah’s first cocktail bar. For more information, visit kushhospitality.com.
