Innovative Restaurateur & Hospitality Leader; CEO & Founder of Gracious Hospitality Management; Creator of COTE Korean Steakhouse
Simon Kim Biography
Simon Kim is a Korean-American restaurateur and the CEO and founder of Gracious Hospitality Management, the company behind several acclaimed dining concepts. Kim began his hospitality career at MGM Grand Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas while studying hotel administration at the University of Nevada. He later led front-of-house teams for chefs including Jean-Georges Vongerichten and Thomas Keller before opening his first Michelin-starred restaurant, Piora, at age 31. These experiences provided Kim with a comprehensive understanding of fine dining hospitality that informs his own ventures.
Kim developed the "Korean Steakhouse" concept, blending Korean barbecue with an American steakhouse experience, inspired by his dual nationalities. He opened COTE New York in the Flatiron District, and COTE received a Michelin Star within six months of opening. The restaurant features USDA Prime beef, a 1,200-plus label wine list, and a selection of classic and creative cocktails. COTE has received recognition from GQ's Best New Restaurants in America, two stars from The New York Times and New York Magazine, and nominations from the James Beard Foundation for Best New Restaurant and Outstanding Wine List.
Kim owns two of the eight Michelin-starred steakhouses in the world, located in New York and Miami, and has expanded COTE to Singapore and Las Vegas. COTE was named Best Steakhouse in North America by World's 101 Best Steak Restaurants. Gracious Hospitality Management expanded internationally with COTE Singapore at COMO Orchard and introduced COQODAQ, a new concept that earned a Bib Gourmand from the MICHELIN Guide and a spot on Condé Nast Traveler's Hot List.
Crain's New York recognized Kim as one of its 40 Under 40 business leaders, and the National Restaurant Association elected him to its board. Kim is developing a multistory dining complex on Madison Avenue that will house three restaurants. In addition to his business activities, Kim supports community empowerment through organizations such as Apex for Youth and as co-founder of Taste of Asia, an event celebrating AAPI culture and cuisine. Kim's career reflects his experience navigating dual cultural identities and building a culinary business focused on entrepreneurship, hospitality, and heritage.
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Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like Simon Kim for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment since 2002. Click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page to check availability for Simon Kim, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get speaking fee information and check availability for Simon Kim or any other speaker of your choice. -
What are the speaker fees for Simon Kim
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What topics does Simon Kim speak about?
Simon Kim is a keynote speaker and industry expert whose speaking topics include Business Leadership, Executive Leadership, Hospitality -
Where does Simon Kim travel from?
Simon Kim generally travels from New York, NY, USA, but can be booked for private corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. For more details, please contact an AAE Booking agent. -
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Simon Kim is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics. The estimated speaking fee range to book Simon Kim for your event is available upon request. Simon Kim generally travels from New York, NY, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Randy Hazelton, Sam Bakhshandehpour, Todd Graves, Susan Sarich and Julia Stewart. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Simon Kim for an upcoming live or virtual event.
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