08/23/2025
FLASHBACK to the MIAMI SUBS of the 80's and 90's... THE ORIGINAL VERSION and That Late Night Bottle of DON!!! Who Else Had Favorite Locations and Menu Items, Back When They Just HIT DIFFERENT?? 💖😋🤔
During its peak in the 1990s, Miami Subs was an iconic, late-night, fast-casual restaurant chain where you could order a bottle of Dom Pérignon Champagne with your cheesesteak. This unique combination of upscale and downscale dining defined the chain's eccentric, "Miami Vice" aesthetic.
Founder and brand identity
A "Miami Vice" vibe: Founded in 1988 by Greek immigrant Gus Boulis, Miami Subs was designed to embody the vibrant, tropical, and neon-lit atmosphere of Miami. Each restaurant was decorated with tropical scenes and pink flamingo murals, and they stayed open late to cater to the city's nightlife.
An absurd, decadent menu: While the food was standard fast-casual—subs, cheesesteaks, and wings—the option to add a $99 bottle of Dom Pérignon to your late-night order made the chain legendary. One executive recalled golfing legends like Greg Norman pulling up to the drive-thru in a Rolls Royce to order wings and a bottle of Dom.
Growth and scandal
The rise of a Florida sensation: From its beginnings as a single Key West restaurant, Miami Subs expanded rapidly in the 1990s, reaching nearly 200 locations mostly within Florida.
A shocking murder: The chain's story took a dark turn in 2001 when Boulis, who had sold the company in 1999, was murdered in a mob-style hit related to his other business ventures.
Decline and reinvention
Struggles and sale: Following Boulis's death, the chain went through financial struggles and unstable management. It was first acquired by Nathan's Famous in 1999 before being sold to a private investment group in 2007.
Pitbull partnership and rebrand: In 2012, Miami rapper Pitbull acquired an equity stake and became the public face of the chain. The company was eventually rebranded as Miami Grill, which continues to offer a similar menu and atmosphere.
A nod to the past: Even today, the Miami Grill brand pays tribute to its history by continuing to offer beer, wine, and Dom Pérignon at select locations, capturing a glimmer of the original's outrageous "everything goes" spirit.