David Grutman, a renowned figure in the nightlife scene, has made a name for himself by owning popular restaurants and clubs across America. He now claims to have played a pivotal role in introducing two music superstars: Bad Bunny and Drake. The 51-year-old Miami-based entrepreneur, who owns LIV clubs and Komodo restaurants, has shared his journey from bartending to becoming a successful business owner in his new self-help book titled Take It Personal: How to Succeed by Building Relationships and Playing the Long Game.
In a preview of the book obtained by USA Today, Grutman revealed how a series of events led him to co-own a steakhouse called Gekko with Bad Bunny. This chain of events began when he introduced the Puerto Rican rapper to Drake’s world. Grutman believed in Bad Bunny’s potential after hearing his music and was further convinced of his future when they met and instantly connected. This connection inspired Grutman to help the singer grow and expand his career.
Grutman wrote that he realized Bad Bunny’s potential shortly after hearing his music. He felt even more confident about the rapper’s future after their meeting, which sparked his desire to assist the singer in connecting and growing. “That’s a big part of who I am, especially in my work as an entrepreneur in hospitality,” Grutman wrote in the book, which was released on April 14. “Whether it’s through my restaurants, clubs, or ventures, I’m always hosting, always bringing people together.”
At the time, Drake was in Miami recording his album Scorpion. During a dinner meeting, Drake asked Grutman who the most exciting new artist was. Without hesitation, Grutman responded with Bad Bunny’s name. He then encouraged Drake to call Bad Bunny’s manager and propose a collaboration on a song. The next day, Bad Bunny and his team flew to Miami, but the meeting was delayed due to a last-minute recording session.
Later that night, Grutman said Drake’s team informed him that Drake wanted to have dinner with Bad Bunny at Grutman’s restaurant, Komodo. “We all went to dinner, and the connection between Drake and Bad Bunny was instant,” he wrote. “They decided to record a song together called ‘MÍA.'”
Although “MÍA” did not make it onto Scorpion, it was released as a single months later and became an instant hit. The track marked Bad Bunny’s first top 10 single on the Billboard Hot 100 chart when it debuted at No. 5.
“A few months later, Drake was back in Miami for a rescheduled concert,” Grutman recalled. “Over dinner, I asked him, ‘Why isn’t Bad Bunny performing with you? The song is huge—people would lose it.'”
Bad Bunny flew to Miami to perform with Drake, and Grutman wrote that “the crowd went wild” during the song’s first-ever live performance. “It was one of those moments that reminded me why I do what I do,” he said.
Drake and Bad Bunny have continued to support each other over the years through concert appearances, social media shout-outs, and even in song lyrics. Grutman’s introduction also led to more collaborations in 2023, when Bad Bunny and Drake worked together on the latter’s song “Gently” for his eighth album For All the Dogs.
The connections also brought good fortune back to the entrepreneur. After introducing Bad Bunny to conversations with Drake and an executive at Live Nation, Bad Bunny suggested the pair open a restaurant together. “My answer was immediate – yes,” Grutman said.
Gekko, a Japanese steakhouse, opened in Miami in August 2022 and is still open today. Grutman and Bad Bunny have remained friends, with the club mogul appearing in his Super Bowl halftime show in February.
“For me, it wasn’t just about launching a successful spot; it was about what it represented,” Grutman wrote. “A connection that started with no expectations, just a desire to help someone grow, had led to something beautiful. That’s the power of bringing people together for no reason other than to see what might happen when you do.”
