ROB CROSOLI (@ROBCROSOLI) IS ONE OF MIAMI’S MOST TRUSTED AND RESPECTED HOSPITALITY PLAYERS. AFTER EARNING A PRISTINE REPUTATION FOR FIVE-STAR HOSPITALITY, HE LETS YOU IN BEHIND THE VELVET ROPE, SHARING HIS SECRETS OF THE TRADE, FAVORITE MEMORIES, THINGS YOU MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT HIM AND FAVORITE MIAMI SPOTS.

Miami’s legendary megaclub, E11EVEN PHOTO BY ADINAYEV

You are one of the most known and trusted hospitality figures in Miami. To you, what are the key factors that make for good hospitality? In its simplest form, I think many individuals in the business forget that it’s all about the guests. We are there to put on a show for the guests. We have jobs because of the guests that come through the doors. It’s about treating the guests how we want to be treated. It’s important that we engage with them during their visit so that we can cater to their specific expectations. The devil is in the details. More often, the small things, such as remembering how someone prefers their beverages prepared, someone’s birthday or their specific table preference, can be more memorable than the lights, sound and performance itself because that personal touch is specific to them. Hospitality is a team sport. Every working department needs to be functioning harmoniously to knock the experience out of the park. No department is more important than the next, even if it may appear that way. It’s a system, and if one piece falls out of sync, the guest experience can suffer tremendously.

Rob Crosoli reading Ocean Drive magazine. PHOTO BY ADINAYEV

What are some of the greatest lessons you’ve learned from your years in the business? One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that it takes an entire team to deliver a great experience. This is something that Dennis DeGori, creator of E11EVEN Miami, really preaches. When I was younger, I used to think it was all about me and allowed my ego to take center stage, whether it was how many people I knew, how many people came to see me, or how much in sales I contributed to a single night. It wasn’t until I began to share my knowledge, developed through my own trial and error, that I took more pride in watching others grow. I’ve found it far more rewarding to see the personal development of those who valued what I had to teach and share the success and recognition with them rather than keep it all to myself. Many talented people in our industry want so much more but don’t know where to begin or who to talk to that can guide them in the right direction. I strive to be someone others can go to for an honest, unbiased answer or solution.

PHOTO BY ADINAYEV

What is one of your most memorable nights at E11EVEN? I’ve had countless memorable nights since E11EVEN opened back in February 2014. One of the most notable and important nights I remember was when Drake rang in 2016 with us for our yearly New Year’s Eve celebration. He came to conduct a soundcheck in the afternoon and hung out with a few of us for a bit—we may or may not have topped off a bottle of 1942 in the process. That show ended up paving the way for all the future performances because he was the first to perform live on our center stage. Those that have been to any show at E11EVEN know that the center stage performances are exceptional and intimate.

One of the funniest moments I remember was when Khloé Kardashian was visiting the club, and the paparazzi were swarming the building. I was hosting Leonardo DiCaprio on the very same night. When he decided it was time to leave, knowing the paparazzi situation, I went to see the best way to get him to his vehicle discreetly, which wasn’t looking very promising. Coincidentally and unknowingly, Khloé walked right past him, exiting the club at the same door we were waiting at, and every single photographer chased after her. Leo and I looked at each other and casually walked right out the same door moments later, and he got into his vehicle without anyone even looking our way.

Crosoli redefines what it means to deliver five-star hospitality and has had the pleasure of meeting everyone from business titans to A-list celebrities throughout his career. PHOTO BY ADINAYEV

What is something people may not know about you? Most people have no idea that I’m a huge Disney Parks nerd. When I say Disney Parks, I mean history, vintage memorabilia, upcoming projects and everything in between. Some of my earliest memories are at the Magic Kingdom, and some of my fondest memories come from family vacations with my parents and four younger siblings, road-tripping from Chicago to Walt Disney World. In case you were wondering, yes, I have an annual pass, and if I am honest, I probably drive up to Disney World every six to eight weeks, but I never post it on social media because people will think I’m crazier than they already do!

When you’re not working, what are some of your hobbies or passions? I’m surrounded by a lot of people all the time. My phone and email are always buzzing, so when I’m not working, I like to disconnect as much as possible. Whether sitting on my balcony reading books, taking in a ball game, riding my bike, listening to live music or going to the movies, I enjoy doing activities that calm my mind, spark my creativity and distract me from my phone. The one thing I’ve been into lately is traveling across our country to explore our national parks, monuments and historical sites. I find myself so at peace and humbled while immersed in nature and history. It truly is the greatest way to see our country and is so good for the soul. We get so involved in our own reality that we lose touch with the immensity of the world around us. Finding that balance helps me do my job better.

PHOTO BY ADINAYEV

What are some of the hidden gems in Miami that we need to put on our radar? Our city is growing so rapidly that it’s almost hard to keep up! There are so many fantastic places to check out in Miami that I would hardly call any of them hidden. A few places that have been around for some time that I don’t hear about often but really enjoy are Shuckers in North Bay Village for lunch and Chotto Matte right off Lincoln Road for dinner. Shuckers is right on the bay, which allows for some great sun, and is quiet enough to where you can enjoy a conversation without interruption. Through its artistic design, vibrant colors, energy, plants and retractable roof, I think Chotto Matte has one of the coolest rooms in the city. The service and food are outstanding, making it a great place to celebrate just about any occasion. One restaurant I’ve recently been driving up to Fort Lauderdale for is a Japanese-Korean fusion place right on the beach called Takato. Everything on the menu is outstanding. If you want to get out of Miami and don’t mind the drive, this is an amazing spot for date night or a night out with friends.