MICHAEL GRECO
Michael Greco is a seasoned hospitality and entertainment innovator, with over 35 years of unique experiences, in the most competitive markets in the United States. In 2019, the entrepreneur formed Fia Hospitality Group, which owns and operates both Fia Restaurant and Fia Steak in Santa Monica, California. Additionally Greco’s company is close to opening a Speak Easy, and is in various stages of production for expansion into several other U.S. cities, as well as Asia.
A native of New York City, Greco’s first step into the world of entertainment occurred at the age of fifteen, when he worked as a Yankees batboy for two seasons. From there it was the Newhouse School of Communication at Syracuse University, and stand-up comedy.
Prior to moving to Los Angeles in 2015, Greco thrived at the center of entertainment in Las Vegas for over a decade in the hospitality, nightlife, and entertainment spaces. His journey to Las Vegas began in 2004 as the first employee of the renowned Body English, a multi-million dollar nightclub at the Hard Rock Hotel in which Greco spearheaded the conceptualization, design and opening. As Director of Nightlife, Greco is also responsible for changing the face of daytime entertainment in Las Vegas with the creation of Rehab, the Sunday pool party at the Hard Rock Hotel.
In 2006, Greco moved to Pure Management Group as Vice President of Entertainment. His role was to oversee the entertainment venues of 10 properties which included nightclubs, bars and restaurants. His success is noted with PURE Nightclub at Caesars Palace being voted as the #1 nightclub in the country for two years during his tenure by E! Entertainment.
With a vast amount of celebrity connections, Greco joined Palms Casino Resort in 2009 to work directly with George Maloof, in an effort to keep the brand on the cutting edge. As the Vice President of Entertainment his highlights include signing both Mariah Carey and Matt Goss to their first Las Vegas residencies.
Greco returned to Pure Management Group’s offshoot in late 2010 as the Executive Vice President of Diversified Entertainment Group working with brands such as Sugar Factory, Cabo Wabo, Chateau Nightclub and Gallery Nightclub. In 2012, he became Managing Partner of Chateau Nightclub.
In 2013, Greco opened FIZZ Las Vegas, a high-end champagne lounge, inside Caesars Palace. The winner of Hospitality Design Magazine’s Best Nightclub/Bar/Lounge design in the world, FIZZ is a collaboration with global entrepreneur David Furnish and his husband, Sir Elton John.
Greco left Sin City in early 2015 for Los Angeles, and reunited with Brent Bolthouse, creator of the Bungalow at the Fairmont Hotel in Santa Monica. With Greco serving as Direction of Operations, the Bungalow shattered records for revenue and EBITDA and opened a second location in Huntington Beach, where Greco is still an investor.
In August of 2016, Greco left the Bungalow and in 2019 he introduced Fia, a California coastal and Italian restaurant, in the heart of Santa Monica. Fia is a collaboration with celebrated chef Brendan Collins. The indoor/outdoor venue, designed by acclaimed designer Matt Winter, is an urban oasis where Greco’s service mantra is rooted in a dedication to hospitality — service, service, service. Fia’s craveable menu delivers on flavor and execution, highlighting the freshest seasonal ingredients inspired by California and Italian coastal cuisine that satisfies all.
Most recently, Greco has expanded the Fia brand, with the addition of an intimate steakhouse, Fia Steak and it’s Spanish sister-restaurant, Dono. Fia Steak, described as a love letter to the classic steak house, offers a chic 48-seat restaurant with four distinct dining experiences, while Dono celebrates life unapologetically, just like the Spanish do. With lovingly-made tapas, fresh sangria, and a late-afternoon specially-curated Siesta menu releasing June 14th, 25th and Wilshire just became the one-stop shop to an extraordinary evening out with friends, locals, some of our favorite celebrities.
Greco’s attention to detail, and focus on service, romance, and ambiance, is unmatched – think Ace Rosenthal in Casino — “An equal amount of blueberries in each muffin...” — is the perfect complement to Chef Collins’ sublime menus.
Apart from hospitality, Greco is a true renaissance man. His passions include writing, and he recently optioned a television pilot called “Hades”, centered around a fictitious nightclub on the Las Vegas Strip, to John Radulovic, producer of Ray Donovan, Californication and House of Lies. Greco also plays in a band called The Venezuelas with Tom Felton and Fred Cichy. The Venezuelas created and hosted “Legends in the Living Room”, an open mic night at the Venice Whaler, that provides a stage for up-and-coming local musicians, next to the Venice Boardwalk. The Venezuelas intend to reunite for the opening of Greco’s Speak Easy, which will feature top-notch underground entertainment, while raising money for various charities.
Greco’s inspiration comes from traveling the world. Fia Restaurant was conceived in Positano and the Amalfi Coast. His most recent restaurant, Dono, was inspired by travels to Spain with Partner/Chef Collins, particularly in Madrid, Barcelona, and San Sebastian.
Greco lives in Santa Monica, with his French Bulldog, Bella Presley Amalfi Wayne Greco.