Michelin-starred restaurateur to open new dining concept at 550 Madison Avenue
Image courtesy of Alex Fradkin
Simon Kim, the restaurateur who founded the Michelin-starred COTE Korean Steakhouse, will be opening a new dining concept inside the landmark 550 Madison Avenue. The new “multi-faceted” concept will span 15,000 square feet across three floors at the tower’s base, boast soaring 60-foot ceilings, and provide direct access to the building’s new landscaped, half-acre public garden. Olayan Group is currently leading a renovation of 550 Madison Avenue, which was designed by Philip Johnson and John Burgee in the 1980s as the world’s first postmodern skyscraper.
In 2017, Kim opened COTE’s flagship location in the Flatiron District. The unique dining concept quickly became a favorite of New Yorkers, combining the elements of Korean barbeque with an American steakhouse.
“The iconic design of 550 Madison offers the ideal location for Simon Kim to share his newest culinary vision,” Erik Horvat, head of real estate at Olayan America, said.
“We are excited to work with such a pioneering restaurateur to reinvigorate East Midtown’s culinary scene by offering a dynamic, downtown vibe that delivers a unique experience to local workers, residents and visitors.”
The name, cuisine, and design of the restaurant have yet to be decided, according to the New York Post. Gracious Hospitality Management, Kim’s company, and the Olayan Group will begin working on the restaurant’s design immediately.
Photo courtesy of Barret Doherty
Designed in 1984 by architects Philip Johnson and John Burgee as headquarters for AT&T, the 41-story 550 Madison building measures 850,000 square feet and is known for its distinct architectural style. The tower gained landmark status from the NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission in 2018.
The garden at 550 Madison opened to the public last November. Designed by Snøhetta, the garden increased the public space at the site by 50 percent, making it the biggest garden in Midtown East. There are several food kiosks in the green space, including Eat Offbeat, Local Roots Nyc, and Black Fox Coffee Co.
Formerly the headquarters for AT&T and then Sony, the 647-foot building now serves as a multi-tenant property, with companies like Hermès, Chubb, and private equity firm Corsair Capital located at 550 Madison.
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