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STEPHEN P. HANSON STEPHEN P. HANSON is the founder and President of B.R. Guest Restaurants, a New York-based multi-concept operator that began with one restaurant, Coconut Grill, in 1987 and has since expanded to eighteen restaurants and one lounge in three cities. With each B.R. Guest restaurant, Hanson and his dedicated staff work to meet their own - and the public's - increasingly demanding expectations through an emphasis on hospitality and quality. Going Green Recently, Hanson inked a deal with hospitality giant Barry Sternlicht which appoints B.R. Guest as the exclusive restaurateur in Sternlicht's '1' Hotels and Residences, the first luxury, eco-friendly global hotel brand. In June 2007, B.R. Guest took its obligation to the environment one step further by becoming certified by the Green Restaurant Association for its incorporation of sustainable practices within the restaurants, making B.R. Guest the first national multi-concept restaurant group to be certified Green. Diverse Experience Hanson began his career in the restaurant business as a maitre d' at the original TGI Friday's during the early 1970's. He became a manager shortly after receiving a degree from New York University's Stern School of business. From there, Hanson delved into the nightclub business when he opened the immensely popular Westchester nightclub, Peachtree's with two college friends. He remained in the nightclub business through his career change as a commodities broker. After several years in this field, Hanson sold his share of Peachtree's and began to serve as an executive in the fashion business for his family's designer sportswear company, Betsy Hanson. In 1987, he decided to pursue his original passion: restaurants. The James Hotel In 2004, Hanson created and co-founded the James Hotel concept with Danny Errico, (founder of Equinox Fitness) and served as a partner in this venture until 2006. James Hotel, a value-based, stylish hotel concept, opened in Scottsdale, Arizona and was named "America's Sexiest Hotel" by Travel + Leisure in 2004. The Chicago location was also awarded a spot on Travel + Leisure's 2006 "It List." Future In 2008, Hanson has focused on continued growth with the company's current concepts, from our Modern-Mexican cuisine and lounge, Dos Caminos Las Vegas, opened in February at the Palazzo Resort Hotel & Casino, and our newest concept, Wildwood Barbeque, in New York and beyond. B.R. Guest Restaurants will also provide unique dining concepts to '1' Hotel and Residences set to debut later in 2008. Philanthropy Hanson currently sits on the Board of Directors for NYC & Company, New York City's official tourism organization, as well as City Harvest, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to ending hunger in New York City through food rescue and distribution, education and other practical, innovative solutions and Public Color, focused on using art to empower students to transform their communities. He also served on the Board of Directors for Caribou Coffee for a number of years and is a Patron of the Metropolitan Opera. In 2003, Hanson received the Restaurateur of the Year award from Bon Appetit and in 2004, he received the Platinum Circle Award from Hospitality Design for his commitment to incorporate unique design with his innovative concepts. Recently, Hanson received the Good Scout Award from the Boy Scouts of America. For more information, please contact B.R. Guest Public Relations at |
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