Co-founder and CEO of Freehold Hospitality, Brice Jones, shares his thoughts on Miami’s ever-growing hospitality industry and hope for the future.
PHOTO COURTESY OF FREEHOLD HOSPITALITY
As the hospitality industry adapts to changing times and current trends, the endless possibility for innovation stays the same. Since Freehold Hospitality’s (freeholdhospitality.com) inception, Jones shares the mission has always been to combine various concepts into one. Now, the hospitality titan is expanding his vision across Miami.
What excites you about Miami’s growing hospitality scene?
The vibrancy and culture of this international city are unbelievable, and that’s reflected within the hospitality industry. I am so impressed with this city and how it continues to develop. From the amazing emerging neighborhoods to the ever-growing hospitality scene, the city is growing with an appreciation for authenticity, which I am proud to be a part of. In a city filled with the best hospitality concepts in the world, continuing to create original experiences is almost addicting.
Where does your inspiration for these projects come from?
I listen like a thief. I listen to our partners, the brands we work with, my instincts, and most importantly, our guests—blending feedback into a cohesive experience. During the early stages of a project, I let the base integrity of the venue drive the concept, not fighting the natural characteristics of the space. I try to only work with truly interesting spaces with something inherently special.
What does the future of FREEHOLD and your other hospitality ventures look like?
I see the future being more specific. I am passionate about identifying a specialty within the hospitality industry, honing in on what we do exceptionally well. We have achieved this with our disco cocktail bar Ciao Ciao, which we plan to bring to Miami in 2024.
What is your motto?
One foot in front of the other. I’ve seen so many people with the most incredible ideas succumb to failure because the scope was too big, and it conquered them. Nothing in my life has ever been easy—the only way to get through it is one inch at a time.
Photography by: Photo Courtesy of Freehold Hospitality
