we believe dining should tell a story — and here, it’s the story of miami beach.
Sodexo Live! menus highlight the best of what Miami Beach offers: seasonal produce, local seafood, and vibrant cultural influences that mirror the diversity and creativity found in every corner of the city.
Service excellence goes hand-in-hand with our culinary craft. We proudly bring to life the warm, expressive hospitality Miami Beach is known for — where every interaction is personal, authentic, and true.
This authenticity is at the heart of our partnership with the City of Miami Beach and the Miami Beach Convention Center.
WE DON’T JUST SERVE FOOD — WE SHARE THE ESSENCE OF OUR CITY.
HERITAGE OF HOSPITALITY
you have welcomed the world (and its foodies) to miami beach.
In collaboration with event hosts, Executive Chef Ismael LaSalle and his team draw inspiration from contemporary Miami Beach cuisine and its diverse communities to craft menu choices as distinctive as Miami Beach itself.
"SODEXO LIVE! AND THE TEAM HERE IS THE BEST I'VE EVER HAD THE EXPERIENCE OF WORKING WITH.
d AV id W hit AK er
PRESIDENT AND CEO
Greater Miami and Beaches Convention and Visitors Bureau
Hear what else David has to say.
e x P erience mAK er S
WE TAKE PRIDE IN CRAFTING EXCEPTIONAL EVENTS AT THE MIAMI BEACH CONVENTION CENTER, MAKING EVERY EVENT A POSITIVE STORY WORTH TELLING. PLEASE MEET...
GENERAL MANAGER, FOOD & BEVERAGES
With a dynamic career spanning over two decades in the hospitality industry, Randy brings a wealth of experience, a passion for service excellence, and a proven track record of leadership to his role as general manager, food and beverage services at MBCC.
Driven by keen interest in cultivating positive and inclusive work cultures, coupled with his extensive industry knowledge, Randy is recognized for his leadership skills, positive attitude and drive to position MBCC’s hospitality services as best-in-class.
EXECUTIVE CHEF
Born in the vibrant town of Isabela, Puerto Rico, Ismael LaSalle, Sodexo Live!’s Executive Chef at MBCC embodies the spirit of culinary excellence that defines the world's leading event hospitality company. His culinary journey began amidst the flavors and aromas of his hometown, where his passion for the culinary arts first ignited. His professional odyssey began in Miami at Hard Rock Stadium and today, he is one of Sodexo Live!’s distinguished Executive Chefsa testament to his culinary prowess and leadership skills.
Chef LaSalle’s heart beats strongest for Latin Caribbean cuisine, a passion that infuses his creations with authentic flavors and cultural richness.
DIRECTOR OF FOOD AND BEVERAGE
A visionary hospitality professional with over 25 years of comprehensive experience in the hospitality industry, Eliu possesses a strong background in fine dining, banquet operations, and hospitality management gained from decades of management experience in high-profile, high-volume venues throughout Florida.
Known for cost control expertise, team development, training, and delivering exceptional guest experiences, Eliu has a unique ability to coach and lead highpotential teams to consistently deliver memorable guest experiences no matter the scope or scale of the event.
DIRECTOR OF CATERING SALES
Maria Linkous is a trusted force in the events industry. As an acclaimed hospitality executive with leadership experience in catering sales, special events, and food & beverage strategy across luxury hotels, private clubs, and large-scale event venues, Maria has consistently driven multimillion-dollar revenue growth while building strong relationships with clients and highprofile partners.
With a keen eye for detail and a strategic mindset, Maria is known for her ability to blend creativity with operational discipline—delivering polished, brand-aligned experiences that elevate hospitality standards.
x P erience mAK er S
dougl AS l . conner
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT: SODEXO LIVE!
Anyone can run a successful food and beverage operation – all it takes is the diplomacy of an ambassador, the creativity of Leonardo da Vinci, the business acumen of a CPA, and an innately hospitable personality. Anyone, that is, whose name is Doug Conner.
With more than 30 years of successful food and beverage operations in his background Doug oversees Sodexo Live!’s convention center division, is based in Orlando, and is well-known throughout Miami Beach.
He believes the key to success is to build excellent relationships with his clients, industry partners, guests, and staff. He is highly experienced in creating, establishing, and implementing employee training and incentive programs resulting in loyal and invested staff, ensuring low turnover and increased guest satisfaction.
A hospitality expert, Doug’s achievements are based on steadfast alignment with proven operational principles; ones that pay close attention to emerging trends and value-added food and beverage concepts. Importantly, his high professional standards, underscored by his proven knowledge of food and beverage operations, can be relied upon to continue to make valuable contributions to Miami Beach Convention Center in the near and long term.
REGIONAL VICE PRESIDENT, OPERATIONS: SODEXO LIVE!
With more than 20 years of diversified and increasingly responsible experience, Danny offers our clients an impressive blend of leadership, financial acumen, consistent budget achievement and operational planning skills that, quite simply, are unmatched in the hospitality industry. As Regional Vice President for Sodexo Live!, he leads a portfolio of high-profile venues across the Southeast and beyond with single account revenues ranging from $5M to $50M.
A strong operations professional with a Bachelor of Science degree focused in Business and Managerial Economics from the University of Central Florida, Danny leads by example. In so doing, he –and his team – earn awards and recognition for the clients we serve.
Most recently, under Danny's and Randy Morales’ watch, Miami Beach Convention Center earned IAVM’s coveted 2025 Venue of Excellence Award with Sodexo Live!’s hospitality programs contributing to its receipt.
He excels in fast-paced, high-profile venues and is confident he will continue to produce outstanding results for the Miami Beach Convention Center, Rum Room & Venu to benefit MBCC and the City.
We’ve identified and formed relationships with leading local organizations to ensure we celebrate Miami Beach’s culinary scene. Whether a life-long Miami Beach resident attending the Boat Show, or a conference attendee who has just a few hours to spend in the Center, we ensure all may enjoy a true taste of "the Beach."
PUSH BOUNDARIES
DANZIGER KOSHER CATERING
Danziger Kosher Catering bring guests an exceptional five-star culinary experience. Offering seamless service and elevated cuisine for kosher events, Danzinger ensures every occasion is executed with the highest standards of quality and creativity.
Currently offering a limited amount of superlative Kosher catering for events at the MBCC, Sodexo Live! is in conversation with Stuart Morginstin, President of Danzinger Kosher Catering, to significantly expand Danzinger’s presence at the Center.
TOGETHER WITH PARTNERS LIKE CORTADITO COFFEE HOUSE, TONI’S AND CHEESEBURGER BABY WE PUSH BOUNDARIES AND INTRODUCE LOCALLY RELEVANT FOOD AND BEVERAGES THAT WOW GUESTS AND THE CITY’S FINANCIAL TEAM.
spoiler alert:
Sodexo Live! proposes converting the Center’s east kitchen to a full production Kosher kitchen – one that is adapted to kosher dietary laws.
We believe MBCC will be the first in the nation to have a fully dedicated, onsite Kosher kitchen in its convention center.
A prized retail partner, Cortadito Coffee House delights guests throughout the day with hot coffee and pastelitos, or smoothies and their famous alfajores de dulce de leche. Their offerings are also part of menu activations available for special event catering.
Established in 1987, Toni’s Sushi is renowned for its authentic Japanese cuisine. It offers guests at Art Basel a unique dining experience steeped in Japanese heritage. Visitors to the Net Jets or Art Basel Collectors Lounges in MBCC enjoy Omakase sushi prepared by Toni’s talented team. Daily visitors may find their sushi and other food concepts throughout Art Basel’s collections as part of Sodexo Live!’s retail offerings.
Cheeseburger Baby has been grilling up fresh, made-to-order burgers in Miami Beach since 2001. Miami Beach’s only female-owned burger joint, it has locations in North Beach and at the Miami Beach Convention Center where its seriously popular cheeseburger is enjoyed by guests.
COMMUNITY ACTIVATION
SIMILARLY, SODEXO LIVE! WORKS DIRECTLY WITH SEVERAL LOCAL CHARITABLE ORGANIZATIONS IN MIAMI BEACH TO DONATE FOOD AND BEVERAGE ITEMS IN AN EFFORT TO OFFSET FOOD INSECURITY. THESE INCLUDE CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE FOLLOWING ORGANIZATIONS:
Stop Hunger – Big Soup –Serving soup to residents of Camillus House 2023, 2024, 2025
Annual Thanksgiving
Canned Food Drive
2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025
The Caring Place, A Miami Rescue Mission 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025
Donations to US Food Rescue multiple times per year
2022, 2023, 2024, 2025
We often have the occasion to help neighbors in need and participate in this event to do so:
• Camillus House Clothing Drive for Men’s Clothes 2023
Always on the lookout to support sustainability/ conservation efforts, we are glad to join nonprofit groups like these in their endeavors:
• Cupid Splash Fundraiser event for the Biscayne Bay Recovery Fund, managed by The Miami Foundation 2025
• Easter Seals Autism Beach Clean Up with MBCC 2022, 2023, 2025
• Style Saves
Back-to-School Event provides thousands of school supplies for under served kids in Miami Beach and beyond. 2023, 2024, 2025
Local school programs benefit from Sodexo Live!’s continuing interest in their programs. We are glad to support:
• Annual Back to School Drives (supplies) in tandem with MBCC’s DEIB Committee 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025
• Sponsorship of Miami
Beach Senior High Teacher appreciation/administrative appreciation events 2024, 2025
• Donations of produce and proteins to Miami Beach Senior High Culinary Program 2025
• Participation/Sponsorship of the Around the World Dinner – This annual dinner benefits Miami Dade Public Schools culinary and hospitality students 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025
5000 ROLE MODELS OF EXCELLENCE PROJECT
“The 5000 Role Models of Excellence Project was founded by then Miami-Dade County School Board Member Frederica S. Wilson, now a member of the U.S. Congress. Initiated by the Miami-Dade County School Board in March 1993, the project was born out of the recognition that many young people face ongoing challenges that hinder their potential.”
The Miami Beach Convention Center and Sodexo Live! had the privilege of hosting the organization in 2024 following which we received this testimonial from Annett Cristo, Curriculum Support Specialist.
ON BEHALF OF THE 5000 ROLE MODELS OF EXCELLENCE PROJECT, I WANT TO EXTEND OUR SINCERE GRATITUDE FOR THE OUTSTANDING CATERING SERVICES YOU PROVIDED FOR OUR RECENT EVENT. YOUR TEAM'S ATTENTION TO DETAIL, THE MENU SELECTIONS, AND IMPECCABLE SERVICE TRULY CONTRIBUTED TO THE SUCCESS OF THE OCCASION.
" "From the moment we began planning to the last bite enjoyed by our guests, your professionalism and dedication were evident. The positive feedback we received about the service is a testament to the high standards upheld by Sodexo Live! What truly sets Sodexo Live! apart is their commitment not only to quality but to sustainability and to our Miami Beach community. Their values align with ours, enriching both the guest experience and the positive impact of the services we provide together.
A nnett cri S to 5000 Role Models of Excellence Project
STRATEGIC DIRECTION
From Michelin-starred dining at the Eiffel Tower in Paris to the Miami Open at Hard Rock Stadium — we create, facilitate, and operate first-class hospitality experiences at some of the world’s most iconic destinations and 150 premier live event venues around the globe. We focus on tangible everyday actions through our offerings to have a positive economic, social, and environmental impact.
Our portfolio is brimming with success, creating unique hospitality experiences for the world’s most distinguished clients. Our strategic approach focuses on both culinary excellence and operational efficiency, translating into robust financial outcomes and unforgettable event day experiences.
your business goals
Our team deeply understands the City’s business goals. Driving capture rates, increasing profitable sales, creating beneficial economic impact in the local community, curating services that exceed your event hosts’ and guests’ expectations and conducting all while being attentive to the Center’s sustainability initiatives. Our shared purpose is to deliver greater and sustainable returns for the Center while delighting your diverse audiences. By operating in an efficient and fiscally responsible manner, we also ensure the Center maximizes its returns.
DELIVERING
THESE RESULTS ARE SODEXO LIVE! TEAM MEMBERS
LED BY GENERAL MANAGER RANDY MORALES AND EXECUTIVE CHEF ISMAEL LASALLE.
ASSORTED CEVICHE SHOOTERS
Peruvian Shrimp
Lime, onion, sweet potato, and corn
White Fish Ceviche
Lime, onion, sweet potato, and corn
Maine Lobster Aji Amarillo Ceviche
Crispy Plantain Chips
SHRIMP AND CORN EMPANADAS
Mexican Corn, Tajin Lime Crema, Cotija Cheese
culinary champions
Our culinary team is committed to 5 Star restaurant quality offerings that delight guests with a “taste of the neighborhood.” Imagine savoring these flavors during your next reception at the Center. Adobe MAX did!
Seeking food and beverages representative of Miami Beach’s unique culinary scene, Adobe MAX’s June site visit at MBCC included sampling these hors d’oeuvres (and many, many other taste treats) during their Sodexo Live! tasting presentation. In October, their 8,000 guests enjoyed these foods during their BASH reception.
Sodexo Live! embarked on a composting partnership with a local composting provider for our organic, plant-based waste from meetings and conventions in early 2022. This program allows food waste to go back to the soil, support local farmers, protect biodiversity and fight climate change. Learn more about our full circle sustainability programs in Robin Jacob's letter later in this booklet.
"READY, SET.... BAKE!"
sodexo live! at mbcc produces pastries, confections and breads in the center's kitchen –sourcing natural ingredients from area purveyors.
Eye-appealing, fresh and flavorful, these high-quality sweet and savory offerings delight guests and add another point of pride to the Center's sustainability initiatives.
ACCELERATE MOMENTUM
IN A VENUE THAT IS VISUALLY EXPRESSIVE, EYE-CATCHING DETAILS MATTER ESPECIALLY WHEN PROSPECTS AND RETURNING CLIENTS LOOK TO THE CENTER’S WEBSITE AND MARKETING COLLATERAL FOR INFORMATION THAT IS RELEVANT TO THEIR UNIQUE INTERESTS.
In the associated booklet "Accelerate Momentum", Sodexo Live! describes steps we are undertaking to promote food and beverage services to your local audiences. Our goal is to holistically increase demand, sales and profits for the Center and City while strategically expanding outreach to Miami Beach’s social, non-profit and wedding markets. We invite you to learn more in Accelerate Momentum by Sodexo Live!
A BOLD REIMAGINING OF THE FUTURE
Sodexo Live! was the first company in the industry to develop an in-house creative team to orchestrate the design of hospitality concepts to meet clients’ needs. As interest and support for this area grew, the Hospitality Solutions Group (HSG) was created.
Working closely with clients, project architects, kitchen designers and local stakeholders, this industry pioneering team is deeply involved in every stage of the guest experience. They have led more than 800 projects and $185 million in capital investments over the past decade.
TO
BE BOLD, SODEXO LIVE!
SUGGESTS MAKING TARGETED INVESTMENTS THAT DIRECTLY STRENGTHEN MBCC'S COMPETITIVE
EDGE WHILE ENHANCING THE GUEST EXPERIENCE. THIS BOLD APPROACH WILL DRIVE SUSTAINABLE GROWTH FOR YEARS TO COME BENEFITING THE CITY, ITS STRATEGIC PARTNERS AND THE LOCAL ECONOMY.
TWO CORE AUDIENCES DRIVE OUR STRATEGY: CONVENTION
ATTENDEES AND LOCAL GUESTS. TACTICALLY, THESE TRANSLATE INTO THE FOLLOWING KEY DESIGN PILLARS.
KEY PILLARS
authentically miami beach
The Miami Beach Convention Center is more than a venue—it’s an iconic destination where coastal beauty meets world-class events.
Our design pillars guide every hospitality investment, ensuring food and beverage spaces feel authentically connected to Miami Beach’s tropical allure, architectural sophistication, and vibrant culture.
ELEVATED CULINARY
EXPERIENCES
From quick-service excellence to gala-level dining.
Each pillar aligns capital planning with the Center’s unique setting, creating experiences that are both visually striking and operationally exceptional. Together, they form a blueprint for hospitality that is as memorable as Miami Beach itself.
UNIQUE LOCAL & SEASONAL
TOUCHES
Flavors and stories that showcase Miami Beach.
COMFORT, FLOW &
FLEXIBILITY
Design that adapts seamlessly to every event type.
SOCIAL INTERACTION
Environments that spark networking and celebration.
PERSONAL & ENGAGING HOSPITALITY
Multilingual, culturally attuned, and personality-driven.
CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT
Constant refinement through feedback and trends.
ACTIVATE CAPITAL PROJECTS
WEST LOBBY HALLS A + B
Reimagines one of MBCC’s most prominent spaces into a dynamic food and beverage destination that welcomes guests with both style and substance. Designed to capture and capitalize on heavy foot traffic, it blends local flavor, flexible branding, and modern technology to create a hospitality experience that adapts to the needs of any event. This approach ensures the space remains both a revenue driver and a showcase for Miami Beach companies like Cortadito Coffee House and Half Moon Empanadas.
• COMMERCIAL ACTIVATION
• SHOWCASE LOCAL FLAVORS
• TECHNOLOGY DRIVEN
• MOBILE & ADAPTABLE
MEET GUESTS WHERE THEY WANT TO BE MET
extend success
WEST LOBBY HALLS C + D
The West Lobby C + D introduces a second, high-profile food and beverage activation, designed to enhance guest service capacity while generating additional revenue for MBCC. Featuring Half Moon Empanadas, this installation pairs a polished commercial look with a celebration of Miami Beach's culinary heritage. Its strategic placement complements the West Lobby Halls
A + B, ensuring both sides of the lobby offer premium, locally inspired options.
• SECOND ACTIVATION
• COMMERCIAL APPEAL
• INTENTIONAL PLACEMENT
• ENHANCED CAPABILITIES
• TECHNOLOGY DRIVEN
MAKING THE RIGHT CONNECTIONS
optimizing a strategic location
LATITUDE 25° CAFÉ
Latitude 25˚ Café will be a highimpact, second-level food and beverage destination positioned on the connector bridge to the Grand Hyatt Hotel, capturing new revenue from both hotel guests and convention attendees without cannibalizing sales from the the lobbies below. Operating from 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., it will offer a versatile, all-day menu delivering speed, variety, and quality in one self-contained space.
• STRATEGIC LOCATION
• ALL-DAY SERVICES
• EXPANDED MENU CAPABILITY
• FRESH BAKERY PROGRAM
• COFFEE & CONVENIENCE
THE FIRST OF ITS KIND
in partnership with dazinger kosher catering
DEDICATED, CERTIFIED KOSHER KITCHEN
The East Kitchen will be transformed into what we believe will be the only dedicated kosher kitchen in a convention center in America, unlocking a unique competitive advantage for MBCC. Designed to be a fully compliant and highly functional kosher production kitchen, it will reflect both operational excellence and strict adherence to kashrut standards.
Catering to a wide variety of events including weddings, anniversaries, bar/bat mitzvahs and charitable celebrations, Danzinger Kosher Catering will serve Miami Beach’s observant Jewish community and work in tandem with Sodexo Live! at MBCC to market and confirm these events.
pride park integration
THIS IS JUST THE BEGINNING
• Strategic Capital Investment in Outdoor Infrastructure
From revitalized lobby services and the all-new Latitude 25˚ Café
to the East Kitchen’s transformation into a premier Kosher facility, Sodexo Live!’s vision sets the stage for what’s next. Since 1987, our partnership has contributed to the Miami Beach Convention Center’s success—and the future holds even bolder moves.
Enhancing Pride Park for community impact, introducing theatrical and tech-driven catering, expanding portable hospitality experiences, expanding the West Kitchen’s capabilities, creating the MBCC Tasting Room. These are all possibilities for what’s new and what’s next.
portable hospitality
• Expand Fleet of Portable Services
• Activate Any and All Spaces with Energy & Creativity
• Generate Incremental Sales & Profits
ENVISION POSSIBILITIES
NEXT GENERATION HOSPITALITY
expanding the west kitchen’s capabilities
• Amplify our Signature Scratch Bakery with Only to be Found at MBCC Offerings
• Benefit Miami Beach’s Café Culture
• Provide Advanced Training & Development Opportunities for Employees & Students introducing the mbcc tasting room
• Highlight Genuine Miami Beach Flavors
• Aid in Sales Efforts to Attract & Retain Business
• Showcase as a Forum for Leadership Events & Announcements
"WITH 36 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE RESIDING IN AND OPERATING A BUSINESS IN MIAMI BEACH, AND AS A DEDICATED COMMUNITY ACTIVIST, I HAVE WITNESSED FIRSTHAND THE PROFOUND IMPACT THAT STRONG PARTNERSHIPS CAN HAVE ON OUR COMMUNITY–AND SODEXO LIVE! IS A STANDOUT EXAMPLE.
They consistently deliver with excellence, professionalism, and a deep commitment to our community.
Sodexo Live! demonstrates an unwavering dedication to providing exceptional food and beverage services to the Convention Center’s clients and their guests. Whether it’s a small community meeting or a major corporate conference, their team works closely with clients to tailor offerings that meet the unique needs of each event—showcasing a high level of adaptability and care.
What truly sets Sodexo Live! apart is their commitment not only to quality but to sustainability and to our Miami Beach community. Their values align with ours, enriching both the guest experience and the positive impact of the services we provide together.
For example, when you next visit the Rum Room & Venu, take a moment to see Sodexo Live!’s nearby herb and vegetable garden.
This 192-square-foot garden is planted in organic soil enriched with compost from the Center’s own composting program. The fresh herbs and vegetables grown there are used in the meals served— making sustainability a real and flavorful part of the guest experience.
Beyond their culinary excellence, Sodexo Live! has shown true dedication to uplifting our residents—whether it’s seniors enjoying quarterly dances at the Center or Miami Beach High School students gaining hands-on hospitality and culinary experience through mentorship with Sodexo Live! professionals.
I strongly encourage you to extend Sodexo Live!’s agreement with the City. Their continued partnership ensures that our Convention Center remains a welcoming, innovative, and community-centered space for years to come.
