From lease negotiation to grand opening — Philo Group Ltd guides restaurants and retailers through every step of building a successful business in the New York metropolitan area.

Opening a restaurant or retail business in New York is one of the most exciting — and most complex — undertakings an entrepreneur can pursue. The regulatory landscape is demanding, the real estate market is competitive, and the margin for error is slim.

That's where Philo Group Ltd comes in.

We are a full-service hospitality and retail consulting group serving the New York metropolitan area. From the moment you identify your concept to the day you open your doors — and every operational challenge that comes after — our team is by your side. We bring deep, hands-on expertise in commercial real estate, licensing, compliance, and business operations, so you can focus on what you do best: building something great.

What We Do:

• Commercial Lease Negotiation — We go to bat for you at the negotiating table, ensuring you secure the right space at the right terms. Liquor License Procurement — We navigate the complexities of New York State and City liquor licensing on your behalf.
• Trademark Registration — Protect your brand from day one with expert trademark guidance.
• Business Launch Consulting — A comprehensive roadmap to get your restaurant or retail concept off the ground.
• Labor Law Compliance & HR Support — Stay current, stay protected. We keep you compliant with all New York labor laws and regulations.
• Employee Handbook & Arbitration Agreements — Up-to-date, legally sound documentation tailored to New York requirements.
• Labor Lawsuit Defense Support — When disputes arise, we provide guidance and representation support to protect your business.

Whether you are launching your first concept or scaling an established brand, Philo Group Ltd is the partner New York's hospitality and retail community trusts.

87 Walker Street, Floor 2, New York, NY 10013.

At Philo Group Ltd, we understand that running a successful restaurant or retail business in New York requires navigating a complex web of real estate, regulatory, legal, and operational challenges. Our team provides comprehensive consulting services designed to reduce friction, protect your investment, and position your business for long-term success.

Your lease is one of the most consequential decisions you will make as a business owner. A poorly negotiated lease can saddle you with unfavorable terms for years. As licensed commercial real estate brokers with deep experience in the New York market, we represent your interests exclusively — negotiating lease terms, tenant improvement allowances, rent abatements, and renewal options to ensure your space works for your business, not against it.

What we help with:

Site identification and market analysis, lease term negotiation, landlord-tenant dispute mediation, lease review and advisory.

Obtaining a liquor license in New York is a multi-step process that can take months and derail your opening timeline if not handled correctly. We manage the entire process — from application preparation and submission to coordination with the New York State Liquor Authority (NYSLA) — so you can open on schedule.

What we help with:

License type assessment and strategy, application preparation and submission, community board engagement, NYSLA liaison and follow-up, license renewals and modifications.

Your brand is your most valuable asset. Before you invest in signage, menus, or marketing, it is critical to secure trademark protection for your name, logo, and other intellectual property. We guide you through the federal and state trademark registration process, helping you protect your concept before someone else does.

What we help with:

Trademark availability searches, application filing with the USPTO, monitoring and enforcement guidance.

Starting a restaurant or retail business involves dozens of moving parts — permits, buildouts, vendors, staffing, and more. Our launch consulting service gives you a clear, structured roadmap from concept to opening day, drawing on our founders' decades of combined experience in the New York hospitality and retail space.

What we help with:

Business entity formation guidance, permitting and licensing roadmaps, vendor and contractor introductions, pre-opening operational planning.

New York State and New York City have some of the most robust and frequently updated labor laws in the country. Keeping up with minimum wage requirements, paid leave mandates, scheduling laws, and other regulations is a full-time job. We help you build and maintain compliant employment practices so you can focus on running your business.

What we help with:

Labor law compliance audits, wage and hour guidance, New York City and State regulatory updates, HR policy advisory.

A well-drafted employee handbook and arbitration agreement are essential tools for managing your workforce and protecting your business. We provide up-to-date, New York-specific documentation that reflects current law and best practices — reducing your exposure and setting clear expectations for your team.

What we help with:

Custom employee handbook drafting, mandatory New York State and City policy addenda, arbitration agreement preparation, annual handbook reviews and updates.

Wage claims, discrimination complaints, and other labor disputes are a reality for businesses operating in New York. When issues arise, Philo Group Ltd provides strategic guidance and support to help you navigate the process efficiently and protect your business's reputation and bottom line.

What we help with:

Early assessment and response strategy, documentation review and preparation, coordination with legal counsel, agency (NLRB, EEOC, NYSDOL) response support.

Philo Group Ltd was founded on a straightforward premise: the people who open restaurants and retail businesses in New York deserve a consulting partner who has actually been in the trenches with them.

We are not generalists. We are New York hospitality and retail specialists — a team that has negotiated leases on some of the city's most competitive blocks, guided first-time operators through the liquor licensing maze, and helped established businesses stay ahead of an ever-changing regulatory environment.

Our office is located in the heart of Tribeca at 87 Walker Street, Floor 2, New York, NY 10013 — in one of the city's most dynamic commercial neighborhoods. It is not a coincidence. We are where our clients are.

Lawrence F. Morrison is a co-founder of Philo Group Ltd and brings extensive experience in the New York restaurant and retail landscape. Throughout his career, Lawrence has developed a reputation as a trusted advisor to operators at every stage — from entrepreneurs opening their first concept to seasoned restaurateurs expanding their portfolios.

His expertise spans commercial real estate, business formation, licensing, and operational consulting. Lawrence's deep knowledge of the New York market — its neighborhoods, its landlords, its regulatory bodies, and its culture — gives Philo Group's clients a meaningful edge.

Haley Fox is a co-founder of Philo Group Ltd and a recognized expert in New York's hospitality and retail sector. Haley is the founder of Alice's Tea Cup, a beloved New York hospitality institution that became one of the city's most iconic dining destinations. The experience she built as an owner and operator of a thriving New York hospitality business gives her an unmatched perspective — she has sat on the same side of the table as her clients, navigated the same challenges, and built something lasting in one of the world's most competitive markets.

That firsthand knowledge as a hospitality owner is at the heart of what Haley brings to every new business owner she works with. Combined with her deep expertise in labor compliance, HR strategy, and business operations, Haley offers clients something rare: the insight of a seasoned operator and the guidance of a trusted advisor, all in one.

Her background in labor law advisory, employee relations, and business compliance has made her an indispensable resource for operators who want to build teams and systems that can scale. Haley is known for translating complex regulatory requirements into clear, actionable guidance that business owners can actually use.

Whether you are in the early stages of planning your restaurant or retail concept, or you are an established operator facing a specific challenge, Philo Group Ltd is here to help. Reach out to schedule a consultation with our team.