Home > About Us > Stephen Hanson's Bio

Stephen Hanson's Bio

"One of the most successful restaurateurs in New York City," according to Forbes Magazine, Stephen P. Hanson is the founder and president of BR Guest. The company was born in 1987 when he opened the runaway hit, Coconut Grill, on the Upper East Side of New York City. In the early 1970s, Stephen had cut his teeth as a maitre d' at the the original TGI Friday's. Stephen's career has spanned industries as diverse as fashion manufacturing, commodities trading, nightclubs, and, of course, now, hospitality.

Hanson, a graduate of NYU's Stern School Of Business currently sits on the Board of Directors for NYC & Company, New York City's official tourism organization and Public Color, focused on using art to empower students to transform their communities. Previously, he served on the Board of Directors for Caribou Coffee. A patron of the Metropolitan Opera, Hanson's honors include a Bon Appétit Restaurateur of the Year award and the Platinum Circle award from Hospitality Design, which he received in 2004 for his commitment to incorporate unique design with his innovative concepts.

Working with top architects, designers and chefs, Hanson is involved in all aspects of his projects. His commitment to providing the best to our guests translates to best practices as well; in 2007, B.R. Guest became the first multi-concept restaurant group to be certified green.