Wheelhouse Inks Overall Deal with David Grutman

Wheelhouse has inked an overall deal with David Grutman, an entrepreneur and founder of DGN Studios and Groot Hospitality, to develop projects spanning entertainment, culinary, sports and lifestyle.

Grutman’s production arm, DGN Studios, is currently in production on several titles, including Netflix’s recently announced reality series with influencer Alix Earle. Under the partnership, Grutman and Wheelhouse will co-produce original content, identify and develop new talent and co-invest in brands and IP.

Through Groot Hospitality, Grutman owns and operates a portfolio of restaurants, nightclubs and hotels in Miami and across the U.S. He is also the co-owner and creative director of the athletics brand Prince.

“Wheelhouse as a company really understands my space and the stories I’m trying to tell, while giving DGN the infrastructure to scale and go bigger,” Grutman said. “I’m thrilled to be working with Brent Montgomery and Jessica Zalkind at Wheelhouse and can’t wait to announce new projects soon.”

“David is remarkable; he’s a true magnet for the most creative, gifted and successful people,” commented Jessica Zalking, executive VP of talent and development at Wheelhouse. “He has authentically cultivated an extraordinary network of collaborators who trust him implicitly to tell their stories, and we see him as a perfect partner for Wheelhouse.”

Brent Montgomery, CEO of Wheelhouse, added, “Entrepreneurship is not for the faint of heart, and David has taken some of the biggest swings in some of the riskiest arenas, culinary and nightlife among them. Those spaces demand impeccable quality, instinct and the ability to create environments everyone wants to be a part of. David embodies that rare combination, and we’re eager to build something unique together.”