Simon Kim is the CEO and Founder of Gracious Hospitality Management, the brand behind the Michelin-starred COTE Korean Steakhouse, with five locations across New York City, Miami, Singapore, and Las Vegas at The Venetian Resort. The portfolio also includes the Undercote, a bespoke cocktail lounge,  COQODAQ, the brand’s Better Fried Chicken concept, and most recently, 550 Madison: a new multi-level dining destination in Midtown Manhattan housing COTE’s second NYC location, Bar Chimera, a bustling brasserie with three distinct bars, and Sushi Yoshitake, an omakase concept helmed by three-Michelin-star chef Masahiro Yoshitake.

Born in Seoul, Kim began his hospitality career at the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas while studying Hotel Administration at the University of Nevada. He would go on to lead the front-of-house teams for notable chefs, including Jean-Georges Vongerichten and Thomas Keller, and open his first Michelin-starred restaurant, Piora, at the age of 31.

Fulfilling a lifelong dream, Simon opened COTE in 2017, New York City’s first Korean steakhouse and the only Michelin-starred Korean tabletop grill restaurant in the world—an honor now shared by COTE Miami following its breakthrough first year in the city’s Design District. COTE quickly earned numerous accolades within its first few months, including GQ’s Best New Restaurants in America, two stars from The New York Times and New York Magazine, James Beard Foundation Award nominations, and semifinalist nods for Best New Restaurant and Outstanding Wine List. In 2024, Simon expanded Gracious Hospitality Management’s footprint with the opening of COQODAQ, which swiftly became one of Manhattan’s most sought-after restaurants, earning a Bib Gourmand from the from the MICHELIN Guide, ‘Best Sparkling Wine List’ from Star Wine List, a spot on Condé Nast Traveler’s ‘Hot List,’ and recognition as one of the city’s ‘Hottest New Restaurants’ from publications including The Infatuation and Eater. Most recently, Simon and the team debuted 550 Madison, a multi-level, 15,000-square-foot dining destination inside the landmark Sony building. Simon unveiled the second NYC location of COTE as well as Bar Chimera, a vibrant new brasserie built around three distinct bar programs: martinis, whiskey, and wine, each dedicated to best-in-class expressions of its craft. In Fall 2026, the team will introduce Sushi Yoshitake, an omakase concept helmed by three-Michelin-star chef Masahiro Yoshitake, making his New York debut.

Simon’s accolades include being nominated for Outstanding Restaurateur in the 2025 James Beard Awards; receiving the Trailblazer Award in 2025 from the Council of Korean Americans; being named EY Entrepreneur of the Year New York in 2022; a Crain’s 40 Under 40 honoree; one of Robb Report’s “Most Powerful People in American Fine Dining” in 2023, 2024, and 2025; and a featured name on Observer’s Dining and Nightlife Power List in 2023, 2024, and 2025. In addition to serving as an Associate Board Member of the National Restaurant Association, he has been recognized with the Next Generation Award from the NYC Hospitality Alliance, the 2023 Inspiration Award from Apex for Youth, and the 2026 City Harvest gala honoree.

A visionary in the hospitality industry, Simon is deeply committed to supporting local Asian American communities. In 2021, he founded Taste of Asia, an annual tasting event celebrating New York City’s AAPI communities. Featuring a curated selection of 40 restaurants serving Asian-inspired bites in Madison Square Park, the event honors the diversity and vitality of AAPI culture and cuisine in New York City and beyond. Since its inception, Taste of Asia has raised $1.2 million in its inaugural year, $1.4 million in both 2022 and 2024, and $1.7 million in 2025 for a variety of organizations, including City Harvest, Madison Square Park Conservancy, where Simon serves on the Board of Directors, and Apex for Youth.