During a trip to El Salvador in January 2013, Mike Zig discovered a farm that grew some of the best tasting coconuts in the world. While playing golf one day, Mike’s friend poked a hole into a coconut with a key, threw in a straw, and handed it to him. Born and raised between El Salvador and Miami, Mike grew up on coconuts, but he had never encountered a coconut that was so easy to open or as delicious as this one.
Determined to spread the word about these rare and delicious coconuts, Mike filled up his luggage with as many coconuts as he could and smuggled them back to Miami. Coconut Cartel was born.
Mike used his contagious personality, experience, and connections to build a one-of-a-kind lifestyle and beverage brand that ultimately became a household name in the hospitality space from Miami to NYC to the cruise line industry. Mike’s infectious personality and connections have enabled him to smuggle coconuts into the hands of numerous celebrities such as Prince Harry, Drake, Steven Tyler, Kendall Jenner, Cristiano Ronaldo, Adrian Grenier, Martha Stewart, Kygo, Bobby Flay.
He is now focusing on “exporting miami” to the world with a few projects in the pipeline.
Where were you born:
Miami Beach
How long in Miami:
29 years
Neighborhood:
North Bay
Occupation:
Food and Beverage Entrepreneur
Favorite Restaurant:
Pinch
Best Sushi:
japanese market
Best Italian:
Trattoria Casa Mia
Best dessert:
Persian sundae at Fooq’s
Best place for a romantic date:
Cruising Biscayne Bay on a boat with lots of vino
Best Sunday brunch:
Blue Collar
Best place for a power business meeting:
Lido at The Standard is always a good spot to make deals, the vibe makes for good outcomes.
If you have out of town guests, which hotel would you recommend:
The Edition really upped the ante here on the beach, everyone I’ve sent there has loved it.
Favorite shopping venue/boutique:
I’m “OG” so I’m going with Bal Harbour. Its really hard to top it.
Best Spa:
The Standard
Favorite Charity Event:
Little Lighthouse Foundation’s Halloween Party
Favorite Event:
The South Beach Wine & Food Festival
Favorite Institution:
Versailles
Best Steakhouse:
Las Vacas Gordas
Best Pizza:
Steve’s Pizza
Best Lunch:
Buena Vista Bistro and Deli
Best Gym/Athletic Facility:
The Fontainebleau’s Gym
Best Massage:
The Standard Couples’ Massage is pretty good.
Best Limousine/Driving Service:
Aventura Limo
Describe your city in three words:
Haute as f*ck ;)
