Inside Casa Tua: How Miky Grendene Built an Exclusive Global Hospitality Empire

Miky Grendene is a man of firsts. In 2001—well before private clubs became the global craze that they are today—he teamed up with his wife, Leticia, to open Casa Tua, a Miami Beach restaurant and club that many in the hospitality industry regard as the first American modern private establishment—that is, a venue with a striking design, innovative programming and a glittery list of members.

Photo: Courtesy of Casa Tua

Grendene, 61, was an original yet again in 2018 with the debut of Casa Tua Cucina in Miami’s Brickell, one of the city’s earliest upscale food halls. Meanwhile, the original Casa Tua continues to attract cognoscenti and boldface names who gravitate to the members club for the genuine “everyone is like family” ambiance, quiet sophistication and excellent Italian cuisine.

“Casa Tua brings people together,” Grendene says. “I am inspired to continually innovate and create for them.” That innovation means expanding the Casa Tua name, which now has outposts in Aspen, at the J.K. Place hotel in Paris, and most recently New York, with a restaurant and club at The Surrey, A Corinthia Hotel, on Manhattan’s Upper East Side. We spoke to Grendene recently about the brand’s staying power and what he’s up to next.

Casa Tua is known for design. We work closely with Michele Bönan. Together we have designed every location, each time drawing inspiration from the city to create unique personalities for each space.

Photo: Courtesy of Casa Tua

Leti and I enjoy selecting every detail, from the books and objects in our libraries to the flowers. In my opinion, the art is the most fascinating aspect. We continuously refresh each room through exhibitions. We have showcased some of the best photographers, including Irving Penn, Richard Avedon, Horst P. Horst, Seydou Keïta and Mona Kuhn. All the art exhibited is available for purchase.

Connecting with art in a setting like Casa Tua, which feels like home, offers a much richer experience than a gallery, something our clients and members truly appreciate.

What drew you to member clubs?

I loved hosting friends at home. When we had children, it became challenging to continue, so my wife suggested I open a place where I could still enjoy what I love—hosting people and making them feel welcome. We opened Casa Tua with a restaurant and lounge. The lounge became so popular that the line would get incredibly long during the first year. This made me realize we needed a solution, leading us organically into the membership model.

What sets Casa Tua apart?

We value genuine connection, privacy and a personalized experience. Financial gain is the result of doing a good job, but it’s not our ultimate driver. This mindset allows us to keep our community intentionally small and our experiences unique.

Can you explain the ethos of the club?

Food, beautiful art and exceptional company.

Tell me about Casa Tua’s cuisine.

Our cuisine covers regions of Italy, but it goes beyond that. I grew up between Italy and the South of France, and some of our dishes are influenced by Southern French cuisine. Additionally, we draw inspiration from Japanese and Thai cuisines. Simplicity is key. We focus on high-quality ingredients prepared simply and in perfect balance.

How is Casa Tua New York unique?

For the first time, Casa Tua is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. We’ve also launched The Lounge, a public space on the ground floor offering a different menu from the restaurant and club. Our members club is the largest of all our locations and features two private dining rooms—another first for us that we believe our clients will truly enjoy.

What’s next for you?

My focus is on finding new, under-the-radar locations. We prefer places that aren’t in the spotlight, adhering to our philosophy of “less is more.” We are looking at the West Coast or Europe for the next Casa Tua, while Casa Tua Cucina will open in Miami’s Wynwood, with additional locations to follow.

Over the years, I have opened very few Casa Tua locations to protect and perfect the brand while also spending time with my children as they grew up. Now that they are older and involved in the business, we are ushering in a new generation of Casa Tua. We’re launching a residential concept called Ora in Miami. Additionally, we are developing a global membership concept, the 77 Club.

When you’re not at your own establishments, where do you go?

I’m an explorer at heart, constantly visiting interesting places around the world. I seek out spots untouched by the modern world where I can truly disconnect, enjoy time with my family and learn something new—whether it’s a new way of cooking, meeting an artist or exploring different cultures. These travels often inspire my work.

Recently, I bought a catamaran to sail the Mediterranean and Caribbean. I spend part of the year aboard Cat Tua, and my members can rent the vessel, too. At home with my family is where I find the greatest joy.