Grant Smillie

Grant Smillie has made his mark across many aspects of the entertainment and hospitality industry, from managing venues and touring as a celebrated DJ to operating a record label and becoming a renowned restaurateur. A native of Melbourne, Australia, Smillie combines his dual passions for music and food with a creative and entrepreneurial spirit.

Starting his journey in the entertainment industry at age 17, Smillie managed some of Australia’s most prominent nightlife properties. He pursued double majors in marketing and management at Melbourne’s Monash University, graduating in 1998. These studies and experiences enabled him to build a career as one of Australia’s most sought-after DJs, leading to international tours, a 10-year radio career on Australia’s Nova FM, hosting for Channel V, and winning two ARIA Awards for his musical compositions.

Smillie’s passion for the food and beverage industry led him to co-found Ponyfish Island, one of Melbourne’s most iconic bars, and Melbourne Brewing Co. He also formed iD Collective, one of the country’s largest independent PR firms, representing some of Australia’s biggest brands in lifestyle, hospitality, sports, fashion, and tourism.

In 2013, Smillie founded Botanical Hospitality Group with David Combes to develop and operate various dining and entertainment concepts in America. He relocated to the United States and oversaw the successful Spring 2015 debut of their first stateside venture, E.P. & L.P., an Asian Eating House in West Hollywood. “My goal is to build a team that represents the best Australia has to offer and bring it to the States,” says Smillie. “With E.P. & L.P., we get to share our ethos that we’ve come to call ‘Life Cultivated’ with Los Angeles. It’s a lifestyle for the creative, adventurous, and spirited set, where you come for a meal and stay for the night.”

In 2017, the Botanical Group expanded the E.P. & L.P. concept with the launch of the Melrose Rooftop Theatre. The cinema was an instant success, with a sold-out season and an eclectic program of cult and new movies. The cinema now operates annually from March to December.

In 2020, the Botanical Group launched S.O.L. (Strings of Life), their take on an Australian-style café in West Hollywood. Partnering with Australian architects Projects of Imagination, Smillie aims to set a new benchmark in the café space in Los Angeles.

Spring 2021 will see the launch of Grandmaster Recorders in Hollywood, headed by Group Culinary Director Monty Koludrovic and his partner Jaci. This expansive 16,000 sq ft property in the Vinyl district will feature a 140-seat Italian restaurant, recording studio bar, and rooftop for 300 patrons, promising to be one of LA’s largest openings of the year.

A global citizen, Smillie constantly travels for both business and pleasure, immersing himself in local cultures for creative inspiration. He finds clarity of mind from early morning gym visits and weekend hikes and is a long-time supporter of The Movember Foundation, addressing men’s health issues.