Our Story

The Story of Aces NYC begins and ends with Owner & Operator Michael Dolloway.

Mike began his career in hospitality opening the first legendary Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse in NYC. This experience laid the foundation of knowledge for all front of house positions as he worked as a bar back, bartender, and server. 

After a brief stint in California, Michael returned to New York and joined the team at JoJo by Chef Jean Georges Vongerichten.  The restaurant earned three stars from The New York Times and was named Best New Restaurant of the Year.  Michael was then tapped by Chef Jean Georges to open The Mercer Kitchen at  the Mercer Hotel in SoHo. It was here that he made the leap into management, being promoted to Bar & Floor Manager.

After six years in the Jean Georges realm, Michael accepted a new challenge as General Manager of Butter Restaurant. He was quickly able to turn the company profitable by streamlining cost in both back and front of house, starting a lunch program and implementing extensive staff education. He was also responsible for hiring Celebrity Chef Personality Alex Guarnaschelli.

Michael’s love of wine was the catalyst for his next venture to join the team at the international wine conglomerate Foster’s Wine Estates.  As the New York City On-Premise Manager, he was also tasked to oversee Long Island and Westchester County as well.

Missing the energy of the hospitality world, Michael’s first venture back began as an owner/operator. He, along with two partners, opened the exclusive Lily Pond nightclub in East Hampton, NY. The trio then went on to open the iconic Provocateur nightclub in the Meatpacking District of Manhattan.  The brand expanded to San Paulo, Brazil, Dubai, Miami, Cannes, Milan, Los Angeles, Brooklyn, Randall’s Island and Central Park. 

Michael’s next venture brought him back to the restaurant business as a Managing Partner of Broken Coconut. This healthy fast casual full service establishment is located at The Equinox Hotel in Hudson Yards. 

Aces NYC is the latest chapter in Mike’s storied career.  Fulfilling a life goal to create a classic NYC local community hub, Aces NYC is destined to join a long list of iconic East Villages establishment for many years to come.