You can take the man out of Las Vegas, but you cannot take Las Vegas out of the man. Michael Pierotti, Jr. is a testament to that phrase, after having left Las Vegas in 2019 for Scottsdale, only to be drawn back to the city he calls home in the fall of 2024. Besides his French bulldog, Fabric, Pierotti loves nothing more than creating welcoming, fun experiences for locals, while giving back to the community – and now he’s back with an even stronger ambition to do just that and more.
Originally from Los Alamos, New Mexico, Michael moved to Las Vegas in 1995 to attend the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) on a soccer scholarship. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in business management and discovered a particular interest in the wine industry, thanks to the hospitality experts and Master Sommeliers he met through UNLV’s hospitality program.
Michael has stepped into various hospitality roles throughout his career, including general manager at Orchard Street Gaming and vice president of operations with Voelkner Productions. He was instrumental in the wide success of two locals’ favorite headliners: stand-up comedian Vinnie Favorito and Mac King, comic magician and one of the longest-running solo acts in the city. During his decade-long tenure with Mac King, Pierotti helped establish philanthropic partnerships and fundraisers benefiting local nonprofit organizations such as Nevada Read, Opportunity Village and Habitat for Humanity Las Vegas.
In 2013, Michael joined the Double Helix Wine & Restaurant Group as managing partner and co-owner. Today, Double Helix Wine & Whiskey Lounge is one of the longest-standing restaurants at Town Square to welcome patrons and new guests alike, providing an unrivaled locals’ destination for great food, unique drinks and a dynamic social scene.
Staying true to his love for giving back to the local community, Michael created the restaurant’s Whiskey Charity Flight of the Month initiative, which shines a spotlight on premium spirits, while giving back a portion of proceeds to local charities. Benefiting organizations have included The Shade Tree, a 24-hour accessible emergency shelter for domestic violence and human trafficking survivors and their children; 22 Warriors Foundation, a veteran-founded nonprofit dedicated to supporting veterans; and Project REAL, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering Nevada’s youth through mentorship programs and meaningful conversations focused on civic engagement and constitutional rights.
Michael is thrilled to be back at his post at Double Helix Wine & Whiskey Lounge and invites the entire 21+ community to stop in for exceptional wine, whiskey, and food.