Simon Kim facts for kids

Simon Kim is an American business owner who runs popular restaurants. He owns and operates COTE Korean Steakhouse. You can find COTE restaurants in New York, Miami, and Singapore. Since opening in 2017, COTE New York has earned a special star from the Michelin Guide every year. This guide is famous for rating the best restaurants.

Simon Kim's idea for COTE was to mix Korean barbecue with an American steakhouse. This idea came from his background, being both Korean and American. In 2019, Crain’s New York magazine named him one of their "40 Under 40" business leaders. This award goes to successful people under 40 years old. In 2021, Simon was chosen to join the board of the National Restaurant Association. This group helps restaurants and food businesses across the country.

Simon Kim's Early Life and Family

Simon Kim was born in Seoul, South Korea. He grew up with one brother and one sister. Simon says his father often took him to fancy restaurants when he was young. These trips helped him love food and dining. His mother was an actress in South Korea. Later, she started her own companies, making baby clothes and textiles.

In 1995, when Simon was 13, his family moved to Long Island, New York. At that time, he did not know how to speak English.

Simon Kim's Career Journey

Simon Kim started working in restaurants at a young age. His parents opened a Korean restaurant called Kori in Tribeca in 1998. Simon worked there as a busboy, server, and bartender. He learned a lot about how restaurants run.

After studying finance for three years, Simon worked at the MGM Grand Las Vegas hotel. He started at the front desk and later became a manager. He managed Shibuya, a Japanese restaurant inside the hotel.

Simon then moved back to New York City. He managed several other well-known restaurants. These included Blue Fin in Times Square and Matsugen in Tribeca. He also worked at The Mark Restaurant and Bouchon Bakery & Cafe.

Opening His First Restaurant

In 2013, Simon Kim opened his very first restaurant called Piora. He partnered with chef Chris Cipollone. Piora means "blossom" in Korean. The restaurant was in the West Village. Soon after it opened, Piora became very popular with food critics. In 2016, Piora also received a Michelin Star.

Creating COTE Korean Steakhouse

In 2016, Simon started his own company, Gracious Hospitality Management. This company helps create and manage top-notch restaurants. Piora became part of this company.

On June 8, 2017, Simon opened COTE New York. It is located in the Flatiron District. "Cote" is another Korean word that means "flower" or "bloom." Just six months after opening, COTE earned a Michelin Star. The Michelin Guide praised COTE's interesting wine list.

The head chef at COTE is David Shim. Victoria James, a talented wine expert, is the Beverage Director. COTE is special because it dry ages its steaks right in the restaurant. It is the only Korean steakhouse in New York with its own dry aging room. Famous food critic Pete Wells from the New York Times called COTE "the best of any Korean barbecue in New York."

COTE has also won many awards from the important James Beard Foundation. These awards include:

• Best New Restaurant in 2018
• Outstanding Wine Program in 2019
• Outstanding Wine Program in 2020

In October 2018, Simon opened Undercote. This is a cool bar and cocktail lounge located right underneath COTE New York.

Expanding During Challenging Times

During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, many news outlets asked Simon for advice. They wanted to know how he kept his business going during the crisis. He shared his ideas on how to adapt to tough times.

On February 12, 2021, Simon opened a second COTE restaurant. This one is in the Miami Design District. In January 2023, he signed a deal to open a huge, three-level restaurant in Manhattan. In 2024, Simon also opened Coqodaq, a restaurant that focuses on fried chicken.

Simon Kim's Community Work

Simon Kim cares about helping his community. He started an event called "A Taste of Asia in NYC." This event celebrates Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities in New York City. In 2021, the event raised $1.2 million. All the money went to three non-profit groups: City Harvest, Madison Square Park Conservancy, and Apex for Youth.

When New York City restaurants had to close during the pandemic, Simon worked to help. He teamed up with the New York City Hospitality Alliance. They asked the government for help and money for restaurants and bars. Simon also helped with the "Save the Restaurants" letter to Congress. He even contributed to a cookbook called "Relief Opportunities for All Restaurants (ROAR NY)." This cookbook raised $100,000 for restaurant workers who were struggling.

Even with restrictions, Simon kept COTE running. He started a successful food delivery service in March 2021. A part of the money from deliveries goes to City Harvest. This group helps feed people who don't have enough food.

Simon is also a strong supporter of The Korea Society. This group works to improve understanding between the United States and Korea. He also supports the Korean American Community Foundation and Apex for Youth. Apex for Youth helps young Asian and immigrant people from low-income families in New York City.

Simon is also on the board of the Madison Square Park Conservancy. This group raises money to take care of Madison Square Park, which is near COTE in New York.