South Florida Hospitality Leader Gabriela Chiriboga: Shaping Miami’s Culinary Landscape
In the heart of Wynwood, where art, culture, and cuisine collide, Gabriela Chiriboga has redefined what a food hall can be. As the Director of Hospitality and Development for 1-800-Lucky, Miami’s first Asian food hall, Chiriboga has transformed the 10,000-square-foot space into more than just a dining destination—it is an incubator for culinary innovation, a launchpad for emerging talent, and a staple in South Florida’s hospitality scene.
Since its opening in 2017, 1-800-Lucky has been ahead of the curve, embracing a dynamic model that fosters creativity and growth. Under Chiriboga’s leadership, the food hall has provided a home for rising culinary stars, offering them the support and resources needed to scale their businesses. Yip began with a single stall and has now expanded to five locations. Sili, which began as a pop-up, has been celebrated by The Infatuation and StarChefs for its standout banh mi. Jeepney, facing closure in New York during the pandemic, found refuge at 1-800-Lucky, allowing it to survive and thrive through a national Goldbelly distribution. Meanwhile, Tam Tam, another alum, has emerged as one of the country’s best restaurants, with its chef recently earning the MICHELIN Guide Florida 2024 Young Chef Award.
Chiriboga’s ability to conceptualize and execute unique dining experiences extends beyond 1-800-Lucky. Her expertise was instrumental in shaping the food and beverage program at Moxy South Beach, where she curated five distinct restaurant and bar concepts, further elevating the property’s hospitality offerings. Most recently, she launched Otto & Pepe, Miami’s first pasta bar, quickly becoming a go-to destination for authentic Italian cuisine. Within months of opening, the restaurant has garnered national recognition as one of The Infatuation’s Best New Restaurants in the U.S. Demonstrating her keen ability to attract top talent, Chiriboga secured a Michelin-accoladed chef and an award-winning team to establish Otto & Pepe in an emerging neighborhood, further solidifying its status as a culinary hotspot.
Chiriboga’s impact extends beyond the kitchens. Recognizing the financial challenges of the restaurant industry, she has ensured that vendors at 1-800-Lucky benefit from an affordable rental model—charging well below the industry standard—allowing them to reinvest in their businesses, experiment with new flavors, and achieve long-term stability. This philosophy has resulted in a remarkably low vendor turnover rate, reinforcing the food hall’s reputation as a place where both businesses and customers can rely on consistency and quality.
Beyond food, 1-800-Lucky thrives as a cultural hub, integrating music, nightlife, and community-driven events. From supporting local DJs and creatives to hosting early editions of Magic City Flea before it became one of Miami’s most prominent markets, Chiriboga has positioned the venue as an essential part of the city’s evolving cultural fabric.
Her vision, resilience, and ability to recognize potential have cemented 1-800-Lucky’s status as a culinary powerhouse in South Florida. By fostering talent, supporting small businesses, and staying ahead of industry trends, Gabriela Chiriboga continues to shape Miami’s dining landscape—one innovative concept at a time.
