MAE’S GROUP AND ARIETE HOSPITALITY GROUP PARTNER TO DEBUT THREE DISTINCT CONCEPTS IN COCONUT GROVE THIS FALL

The Teams Behind Some Of Miami’s Most Celebrated Kitchens and Bars Unveil Chuggie’s, Mae’s Room and Chef Raheem Sealey’s First Brick-and-Mortar Drinking Pig BBQ

This fall, Mae’s Group and Ariete Hospitality Group will expand their imprint on Coconut Grove with three new concepts: Chuggie’s, Chef Michael Beltran’s nostalgic take on the classic burger joint; Mae’s Room, an intimate cocktail parlor inspired by timeless gatherings and New York creativity; and Drinking Pig BBQ, Chef Raheem Sealey’s first brick-and-mortar home for his beloved smokehouse. Individually distinct yet collectively transformative, the openings highlight how three celebrated voices in Miami’s culinary scene are shaping what comes next for the Grove.

“Coconut Grove has always had a strong sense of community, and these three concepts are our way of adding to that fabric,” said Andrew Falsetto, CEO of Ariete Hospitality Group. “As Miami locals, these openings are personal for all of us: Chuggie’s is molded around a young Chef Mike and his best friend, time traveling back to the food that shaped their childhoods; Drinking Pig BBQ introduces the Grove to the soulful, authentic barbecue recipes that Raheem has perfected over the years; and Mae’s Room takes shape as a neighborhood escape, a living room-style setting where people can gather and connect over cocktails. Together, they represent not just new spots but lasting experiences that will resonate for years to come.”

Chuggie’s (3444 Main Highway, Suite 15) will bring Chef Michael Beltran’s personal nostalgia to life in the form of a dedicated burger joint. Inspired by Beltran’s Miami upbringing and childhood nickname, Chuggie’s is rooted in the joy of simple food that sparks memory. The 450-square-foot space with patio seating on Fuller Street will channel the carefree energy of the 1990s with an approachable menu of crispy fritas, juicy chicken sandwiches, classic fries and swirled soft-serve cones alongside $8 burgers, $4 beers and cocktails on draft designed to be craveable and approachable. Chuggie’s will also embrace playful branding and a backyard-patio sensibility, making it a gathering place for families, teenagers and longtime locals alike. Even the youngest guests can get in on the fun with the Happiest of Meals ($9.99), featuring a cheese burger or four-piece nuggets, fries, a soda or juice, and a kid’s prize.

Just steps away, Drinking Pig BBQ (3444 Main Highway, Suite 16) will establish its first-ever brick-and-mortar home in Coconut Grove following its runaway success as a pop-up. Founded by Chef Raheem Sealey, chef partner of Shiso Miami and consulting global chef for KYU, the restaurant builds on his acclaimed smokehouse concept that quickly became a Miami staple in 2020. Drinking Pig BBQ will occupy 1,600 square feet, creating a destination where the soulful spirit of the Caribbean meets the slow-cooked traditions of American barbecue. With indoor and outdoor seating, the restaurant will bring together smoked meats, island-inspired spices and an elevated design.  The substantial footprint allows Sealey to reimagine the Drinking Pig BBQ experience for a permanent setting and create a space where food, culture, and community merge.

“Opening a permanent home for Drinking Pig BBQ in Coconut Grove is a dream come true,” says Sealey. “This neighborhood has such a welcoming energy and strong sense of community. My goal is always for Drinking Pig to be more than just a restaurant — it’s a place where friends, family, and locals can come together to hang out, spend time together, and eat great barbecue.”

Mae’s Room (3444 Main Highway, Suite 17) will be a timeless 750-square-foot cocktail den that captures the spirit of Mae, a Bronx-born artist and hostess who inspired its creation. The space is designed to feel both intimate and sophisticated, with midcentury details, curated playlists and a focus on Classic and Contemporary cocktails. Under the guidance of hospitality veteran Tom Lasher-Walker, the bar will lean into flawless execution of timeless drinks such as martinis, old-fashioneds and daiquiris. Guests will also be able to enjoy Chuggie’s craveable menu alongside their cocktails, pairing nostalgic bites with perfectly made drinks. By day, Mae’s Room will operate as a refined after-work escape; by night, it will transform into Coconut Grove’s newest nightly cocktail party. 

“We’re thrilled to join forces with Ariete Hospitality Group for these projects,” said Marc Chasin, co-founder and CEO of Mae’s Group. “The group’s track record in Coconut Grove speaks for itself, and by combining our strengths, we can introduce concepts that not only stand on their own but also add to the neighborhood’s identity.”

Mae’s Room, Chuggie’s and Drinking Pig BBQ are expected to create 40 new jobs and bring fresh vibrancy to the Grove, each filling a distinct niche: cocktails with sophistication, burgers with nostalgia and barbecue with soul. The openings further solidify Ariete Hospitality Group’s reputation for shaping Miami’s dining scene and mark a bold entry for Mae’s Group into the neighborhood.

Photo Credit: Mae’s Group, Ariete Hospitality Group and Studio Lobo