1985

Drory’s first development and management experience was in the carpet and floor cleaning industry. He developed six successful companies in this category, selling them at a profit.

1993 – 2000

His first purchase was Ye Waverly Inn from the family who had run the establishment for three generations. Due to his strategic upgrades to the restaurant, including the installation of the famed garden, Drory created a popular New York hot spot and tripled the revenue in three years. After 14 years for ownership, he sold Ye Waverly Inn for seven figures.

Waverly Inn Restaurant

2000 – 2009

Next, Drory bought The Cub Room restaurant from renowned chef, Henry Meer for $1.25 million. After a year of ownership he had increased the revenue by 70%. Totaling in 8,000 square feet, The Cub Room housed a 3,000 square foot dining area, a lounge with a bar which was further expanded by Drory, with 89 types of scotch and 94 types of vodka. An organic café occupied the third room, which became a favorite hangout area for New Yorkers. After about ten years Drory sold the restaurant for $2.5 million

Cub Room Restaurant

1995 – 2002

Drory’s next restaurant and renovation project was Greenwich café, a 24-hour café, which became a well- loved spot by its downtown West Village community. Barbara Walters even chose the restaurant to host a 4-hour, on-location live show where the community played an integral part of the broadcast. The initial project cost for the restaurant was $350,000 and it was sold for $1.8 million, adding to Drory’s portfolio. Along with Lesly Bernard, best known for Pravda and Clementine, and Herb Wilson, formerly of Bambou and Jack’s Fifth, Drory next remade Greenwich into NYC, which was acquired for $2.2 million.

Greenwich cafe Restaurant

2005 - 2012

Drory’s other projects have included two Italian restaurants, located in East and West Village, and called Tanti Baci. Drory brought in special cooks from a village in Palermo, Italy, where his father was raised, to enhance the romantic feel of the restaurant. The two restaurants were a big success after 14 years of operating and were sold for $1.8 million each.

Tanti Baci Restaurant

2014

latest projects is Artisanal Bistro, located on 2 Park Avenue, noted as NYC’s first artisanal food entries. After acquiring Artisanal, Drory made many improvements in the first 40 days, including saving $1.2 million by cutting expenses and adding enhancements to the environment for the clientele that love Artisanal. Menu enhancements by Drory include offering 81 types of wine by glass to match the existing menu of 197 types of cheese; expert bakers from Breads to add to the wine and cheese experience; and increasing the wine selection list to include top shelf cognac and scotch. Drory hired Adam Tihany, the famed hospitality designer who originally designed the space, to renovate Artisanal.

Artisanal Bistro Restaurant