David Martinez
David Martinez is a leader in the hospitality industry with an impressive track record owning and operating some of the world’s most award-winning bars and restaurants. He started his career in his hometown of Oaxaca, Mexico, where he welcomed European visitors at his father’s travel agency. He later moved to Minneapolis- St. Paul where he was first introduced to the restaurant world, working his way through all the front and back-of-house positions. Martinez began his college education at the University of Minnesota, then moved to Hawaii to pursue his passion for hospitality graduating from Hawaii Pacific University with a BS in Hospitality. His talent was quickly recognized when he began working with the Mandarin Oriental hotel group in Hawaii and later moved to Miami to open the Mandarin Oriental in Brickell Key. There, Martinez helped open Azul, the hotel’s fine dining restaurant where he met his soon-to-be wife, chef Michelle Bernstein. Together, they opened several award-winning restaurants and bars in Miami, Cancun, and elsewhere, such as Michy’s; Sra. Martinez; Sweet Liberty; Café La Trova (#24, World’s 50 Best Bars); and La Cañita. Most recently, he opened Medium Cool cocktail lounge on Miami Beach. Martinez is known for his versatility and creativity in the hospitality industry.
