On the latest episode of Back of House, Luke Butler is joined by first-time co-host Benjamin Fitzgerald for a conversation with Michael Davis, President of Wally's Wine & Spirits.
Michael’s career spans New York, Los Angeles and Las Vegas from scaling BR Guest’s multi-concept portfolio to building Proper Hotels’ F&B, leading Butcher’s Daughter, and now steering Wally’s: a high-end blend of wine retail, restaurant, bar and events. He covers:
- The Wally’s model: a “wine wonderland” that fuses restaurant, retail and events, plus a growing commissary and off-site program.
- Expansion playbook: rigorous market fit, community alignment, and a smart 75/25 localisation rule so each venue feels native.
- Tech with touch: using data and AI for pricing and inventory while winning loyalty through personal outreach and recapture programs.
- Leadership at scale: the Three P’s, passionate, positive, professional, clear SOPs, hire slow/separate fast, and coaching the right people into the right roles.
- Market realities & momentum: LA’s west-side recovery, Vegas tourism shifts, and why Wally’s is leaning into Malibu, Century Plaza, Miami and international opportunities.
A wide-ranging, insightful look at leadership, growth, and brand evolution in modern hospitality.