Portrait of Matthew Kuscher
i. Biography
The Climb
Florida International University is part of the training line in Matthew Kuscher’s background, and that school connection remains one of the few fixed points in his career record. The first restaurant in the timeline is placed clearly in 2011, marking the start of the work that follows.
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Today
Restaurant development and management define the current scope of Matthew Kuscher’s role at Kush by Lokal in Miami, where he serves as Executive Chef. The position reads less as a title than as a remit: build the room, manage the operation, and keep the work moving.
Signature
Alligator Strips and Miami fries sit among Matthew’s signature dishes, the kinds of menu items that anchor a chef’s public identity in a restaurant setting.
In Their Words “Upcycling is really what I cared about, I wanted to [have] obviously a cool feel to it, but the first priority was trying to be something that was gonna help spread the word.” “I have a soft spot for FIU.”
Recognition
Matthew Kuscher’s public voice points toward adaptive thinking and reuse, with upcycling described as a first-priority concern alongside presentation. That framing places the work in the language of function, circulation, and reach rather than ornament.
FAQ
Asked of Matthew
What is Matthew Kuscher's current role?
As of 2026, Matthew Kuscher is Executive Chef.
Where did Matthew Kuscher train or study?
Matthew Kuscher trained at Florida International University.
What is Matthew Kuscher known for?
Restaurant development and management.
The Sunday email
Read about chefs like Matthew Kuscher in the Sunday email.
Every Sunday we send a lead story and up to four more about the chefs, winemakers, sommeliers and hoteliers behind the restaurants, bars, wineries and hotels we cover.
Recent stories
Free. One email a week, and you can unsubscribe from any issue.