About Us
Our Story
Hello Hello was founded by industry veterans Luis Hernandez, Brendan Bartley, and Robert Nieves, whose experience spans some of New York’s most iconic venues. Their vision was simple: to create the kind of place they genuinely wanted to spend time in.
Set within a unique ’70s-inspired space designed by West Chin Architects, Hello Hello is a neighborhood destination for excellent drinks, old-school hospitality, and just the right amount of shenanigans.
By day, we serve coffee, pastries, and cocktails from morning until last call. Our bar program reimagines classic cocktails through a unique lens, complemented by comfort bites and a signature hot dog lineup. A nightly DJ lineup sets the tone, carrying the energy through the evening.
In the back of the space is Silent Alibi Distillery, Manhattan’s first distillery since Prohibition and home to 11th Hour Coffee Liqueur. Here, ideas are developed and brought to life, allowing for a true still-to-bar experience.
Whether it’s the first hello of the morning with your coffee, or the last hello of the evening with your favorite cocktail, there’s always a seat waiting for you.
Meet The Team
Brendan Bartley
Brendan Bartley is an award-winning beverage director, distiller, and consultant with over 15 years of industry experience. Known for his technical precision and creative range, Brendan has built a career at the intersection of classic craftsmanship and modern formulation.
Brendan holds a degree in viticulture and oenology from the University of Adelaide and a WSET Level 2 certification in wines and spirits from TAFE Adelaide. His training includes rum formulation under Master Blender Alexandre Gabriel and an apprenticeship at Hippocampus Distillery. Brendan is the winner of the La Maison Cointreau Cocktail Competition in Australia and has contributed to the formulation of Hefeweizen Whiskey.
Brendan currently serves as Beverage Director at Bathtub Gin and is co-owner of Bonne Vie Armagnac. As the creator of Revivalist’s Garden Gin, he earned double gold at both the San Francisco and New York World Spirits Awards in 2021. His latest creation is 11th Hour Coffee Liqueur, developed at Silent Alibi Distillery with a focus on clean ingredients, balance, and versatility.
Luis Hernandez
Luis Hernandez is the Food & Beverage Director at Hello Hello and a New York City bartender known for his creative approach and deep industry experience. He also serves as Brand Manager and Sales Director for Ume Plum Liqueur.
Previously, Luis was Bar Manager at Seamstress NYC, which was named to Esquire’s Top 100 Bars in America. He’s a New York winner of Bombay Sapphire’s Most Imaginative Bartender and Bacardi Legacy, and the national winner of Pau Maui Vodka’s Road to Maui competition.
A natural educator and speaker, Luis has shared his perspective at Tales of the Cocktail, Bar Institute, Portland Cocktail Week, and the Culinary Institute of America. His work has been featured in GQ, The Wall Street Journal, Wine Enthusiast, Fox & Friends, and more.
Robert Nieves
Robert Nieves is a respected New York City bartender and spirits educator with a career spanning brand building, education, and on-premise growth.
In addition to being a partner at Hello Hello and Head of Sales at Silent Alibi Distillery, he currently serves as a Sales Manager for Ten To One Rum, one of the most awarded rum producers in the country.
At Ten To One, Robert has led key product launches and high-impact collaborations, driving market growth through strategic account development and creative initiatives, including the Ten To One Daiquiri Competition.
From 2018 to 2021, Robert served as National Ambassador for the Facundo Rum Collection, Bacardi’s private family reserve, as well as Bacardi’s Incubation Brand Portfolio and Single Malt Portfolio. Robert continues to bridge hospitality, education, and spirits innovation across both brand and on-premise worlds.
Dave Oz
Dave Oz is a Brooklyn-born entrepreneur and the founder of Bathtub Gin, one of New York City’s top-grossing, high-volume bars and a true industry institution, recognized with numerous national accolades.
Before entering hospitality, Dave spent a decade as a CPA at Arthur Andersen and Ernst & Young. In 2011, he left a successful finance career to pursue his passion, investing his life savings to launch Bathtub Gin. Through a distinctive concept, disciplined execution, and relentless attention to operations, he built it into one of the city’s most celebrated bars.
Since then, Dave has developed additional standout hospitality concepts, including Two Forks and The 18th Room. Today, he brings his extensive operational expertise to Hello Hello and Silent Alibi Distillery, where he serves as a Business Manager.
