After conquering the entertainment world in Los Angeles as a high-end television executive, New York native, Lonnie Moore decided to test his luck in the competitive restaurant industry. Moore found inspiration through his love for people, food and entertaining.
Combined with his inspirations, his previous work experience also helped him tremendously. “In my previous career in entertainment, I learned how to play the game. Today, with the restaurant industry, knowing how to play the game comes in handy with our daily operations. I also met so many contacts through the entertainment industry that have proven beneficial,” says Moore. He believes that his understanding of consumer needs and expectations have paved the way for his successful journey.
Moore’s dreams became reality when he opened his first bar with longtime friend and business partner, Mike Malin. Belly was located in West Hollywood and for four years was a popular stop for those looking for something a little different than the usual Hollywood scene. “I wanted to create a bar for the everyman that wasn’t about a guest list or VIP area, but rather, a watering hole with a welcoming feel- like a Cheers,” says Moore. “It was at Belly that I learned that if you treat everybody like a celebrity and a celebrity like everybody, you will be successful.” With the success of that first bar, he and his partners created the Dolce Group, which today serves as one of the top restaurant groups in the country.
After meticulously perfecting every detail on a new restaurant concept, Moore opened Dolce Enoteca y Restorante in 2003, which not only dishes up modern Northern Italian cuisine, but the perfect atmosphere as well. Following Dolce came the unique Japanese restaurant, Geisha House, which also happens to be Moore’s favorite. “I think the Geisha House experience is so unique – everyone must try it at least once,” says Moore. The concept of Geisha House is that of Tokyo in 2050, and the energy created by this hot spot has helped bring life back to Hollywood Boulevard. He is also responsible for other LA favorites, such as, Bella, Ketchup, as well as a revamp for the popular Les Duex nightclub. Moore’s success hasn’t stopped in Los Angeles. He has now opened up a few of his most popular restaurants, as well as new restaurants all over the nation.From Las Vegas and Dallas to Atlanta and Huntsville, Alabama—he truly has the ‘Midas Touch’ in this industry. “We sell fun as much as we sell food. Everything at our restaurants has a playful spirit—from the high energy music, to the cool uniforms designed by LA designers, to the presentation of our dishes and cocktails, to the flirtatious energy of our servers and bartenders…We give diners a unique experience at all of our restaurants,” says Moore.
Although Moore has overcome many challenges, there are many reasons he has set himself apart from the many other people in the restaurant industry. He describes his dedication as, “Going the extra mile, and putting the time in.” He also notes that, “Sometimes it’s hard to work the 7thday or that 12thhour. This is our passion. To succeed in this industry, you have to dig deep and find strength within yourself to work hard. We believe that our first responsibility is to make sure the customer leaves happy.” With many satisfied customers all over the nation, many would agree that Moore has found the recipe for success.
Moore owes that success to his good friends and loving family, and always spreads his good fortune onto those who are in need. He is involved in various charities around the country, and one of his favorites is Hollywood Dreamz, which is a non-profit organization supporting children's education, arts, and character development programs in the greater Los Angeles area. Moore’s creativity, attention to detail, hard work and modest approach have made his empire unstoppable. As his businesses continue to expand, so will his reputation as an integral part in the ongoing success and innovation of the restaurant industry today.
photos by: Larissa Underwood Photography
