Brooklyn transplant
BRANDON HOY • Roberta’s, R Slice, & Ezio’s
WORK • Thursday Routine
BRANDON HOY • co-founder and co-owner • Roberta’s, R Slice, & Ezio’s
Neighborhood you work in: North Beach
Neighborhood you live in: South Williamsburg, Brooklyn
It’s Thursday morning. What’s the scene at your workplace?
Like most mornings, it starts with looking for the smoke so you can put out the fire before service starts. From 830-930a, I’m on the phone with our restaurant’s leaders trying to solve and get ahead of any issues from the night before. These are usually personal or facilities-related problems. I typically head to our restaurant Roberta’s, in Brooklyn’s Bushwick neighborhood, and take care of maintenance issues as well as check in with the porters.
What’s on the agenda for today?
Currently flying from Miami, where I was firming up details, finalizing the space, and reviewing marketing materials for Ezio’s, our new restaurant opening tomorrow [12/19] in North Beach. It’s an upscale Italian-inspired steak and seafood restaurant, built on the ageless charm of authentic Italian hospitality. My longtime business partner and chef Carlo Mirarchi is overseeing the kitchen. We’ve opened restaurants in places as far-flung as LA and Singapore, but this is our first Miami venture. Carlo is putting housemade pastas center stage on the menu, and there’s going to be a serious dry-aging program for both beef and lamb.
Any bar or restaurant plans today, tonight, this weekend?
When we can find a free Friday night, my wife and I will go catch the sunset at Giando on the Water with a few friends and some Negronis. Last night, I hit The Flow Night Market in downtown Miami and then Pérez Art Museum for an Art Basel event featuring the Marley Brothers. While in Miami, I love heading to Tâm Tâm, Gramps Hideaway, Mandolin Aegean Bistro, and always love a night at Mac’s Club Deuce.
Any weekend getaways?
When in Miami, my family and I love to travel to the Florida Keys, especially Islamorada and Marathon. When in New York, we make frequent trips to Eastern Long Island for some beach fun.
What was your last great vacation?
Any and every vacation is great. It’s really nice to get some R&R, but our last vacation was to Tulum. It was fantastic. We stayed at Casa Malca, which was beautiful and had a great mezcal tasting.
What’s a recent big-ticket purchase you love?
A custom-built walnut wall with beautiful murano glass sconces.
Where are you donating your time or money?
To the Anne Saxelby Legacy Fund.