The Doce Group, often mistakenly referred to as “The Dolce Group,” has made its mark in the restaurant and nightlife industry with a blend of high-end culinary experiences and trendy, celebrity-backed venues. Founded by entrepreneurs Lonnie Moore and Mike Malin, the group became a trailblazer in fusing dining with entertainment, https://thedocegroup.com creating a lifestyle brand that resonated with Generation X audiences.
A Mix of Restaurants and Nightlife Ventures
The Doce Group gained prominence with a series of high-profile restaurants and clubs, such as Dolce Enoteca e Ristorante, Geisha House, and Les Deux. These venues became popular for their upscale ambiance, attracting celebrities and socialites in the early 2000s. The company expanded from its Los Angeles roots to locations in Atlanta and Las Vegas, balancing traditional restaurant service with the energy of nightclub culture.
One of their flagship ventures, Dolce Enoteca, offered Italian cuisine in a lavish setting that quickly became a favorite among Hollywood stars. However, like many celebrity-driven ventures, it eventually faced challenges, with the original LA location closing its doors by 2009.
Celebrity Involvement and Expansion
Celebrity investors, including Ashton Kutcher, Wilmer Valderrama, and Danny Masterson, played a significant role in the group’s success. Their involvement added star power, making the restaurants not just dining spaces but also social hotspots. In Las Vegas, the group launched Rare 120, a modern steakhouse at the Hard Rock Hotel, designed to appeal to a younger, club-going demographic. This venue exemplified their approach: offering lighter, shareable dishes that catered to the nightlife crowd.
The Doce Group’s ventures embodied a unique concept, ensuring their locations became destinations for both casual dining and special occasions. Their restaurants and nightclubs blurred the lines between traditional dining and entertainment, making them a hit with trend-conscious patrons.
Challenges and Legacy
Despite early successes, maintaining the momentum proved difficult. Several of the group’s restaurants, including Dolce and Geisha House, closed over time as the market evolved and new trends emerged. Yet, the impact of the Doce Group’s ventures persists. Their approach to hospitality—integrating food, music, and social interaction—has influenced the way modern restaurants and clubs operate.
Today, although many of their original venues no longer exist, the Doce Group’s legacy lives on through the evolution of nightlife-focused dining. Their mix of culinary creativity and high-energy environments set the stage for similar concepts across the hospitality industry.