The Butter Group | 2,051 followers on LinkedIn. At the helm of The Butter Group, New York’s preeminent lifestyle and hospitality company, are business leaders, restaurateurs and nightlife impresario, Richie Akiva. Founded in 2002, The Butter Group holds a multi-million dollar portfolio of nightlife hospitality properties, 1 OAK and Up&Down, and premier dining destinations, including Butter Restaurant led by Executive Chef Alex Guarnaschelli. With a commitment to excellence, The Butter Group has strategically taken the brand beyond its New York City borders to Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Tokyo, Dubai, the Maldive Islands, and soon to open in London.