Office & AdminServiceCulinary

Simon Kim

Founder and CEO | Cote Korean Steakhouse
One of the greatest lessons I have learned throughout my career is to be yourself. When you're in fine dining, the business can be very theatrical. You're always playing a role - it can be exhausting. If you can find yourself and be yourself in that role then you're no longer playing it. Your words and actions become much more authentic and profound.

Experience

2025 - Present
Owner
COTE Madison
Sushi Yoshitake
Restaurant at 550 Madison Ave
(Opening Soon)
New York, NY
2025 - Present
Owner
COTE Vegas (Opening Soon)Las Vegas, NV
2023 - Present
Owner
COQODAQNew York, NY
2023 - Present
Owner
2020 - Present
Owner
COTE MiamiMiami, FL
2018 - Present
Owner
UndercoteNew York, NY
2017 - Present
Owner
2016 - Present
Founder & CEO
2013 - 2017
Proprietor
PioraNew York, NY
2012 - 2013
Manager
BouchonNew York, NY
2011 - 2012
Manager
The MarkNew York, NY
2010 - 2011
Manager
MatsugenNew York, NY
2009 - 2010
Manager

Education

2005 - 2008
Bachelor of Science Hospitality Administration/Management

Advice from Simon Kim

Quotes about career path, skills, and teamwork from an industry leader.
I always look for compatibility when hiring aspiring professionals.
You may be objectively a very highly-qualified candidate, but it goes beyond skill set. The plus alpha is where you find the partnership - and that's how I view employment.
I find inspiration from my father.
My father has been a true gastronomer. He takes a lot of joy in talking about food in a critical way. I feel if I can please him, then I can please everyone - and therefore, he inspires me every day to bring excellence to the table.
You need an innate likeability between both the employer and employee.
If the candidate jives with the culture of the restaurant and vice versa, then that's the making of a great partnership. I also look for people that are innately hospitable and warm. If I am interviewing a candidate and they feel comfortable and make me feel comfortable, then I know it's a good fit.

Roles in Office & Admin

Check out the newest job opportunities in your area and level up your career.
More on Culinary Agents

Human Resources Generalist

Somni Restaurant
West Hollywood, CA
Part Time
 
Apply$35-$40/hr

Regional Manager

Long Hospitality
Los Angeles, CA
Full Time
 
Apply$70,000 - $85,000

Produce Team Member (Clerk, Floor Service) - Part Time

Whole Foods Market
Santa Monica, CA
Part Time
 
Apply$18-$25/hr

Produce Team Member (Clerk, Floor Service) - Part Time

Whole Foods Market
Los Angeles, CA
Part Time
 
Apply$18-$25/hr

Business Manager

Lielle
Los Angeles, CA
Full Time
 
Apply$75,000

Business Manager

The Tasting Kitchen
Los Angeles, CA
Full Time
 
Apply$75,000
More on Culinary Agents

Explore More Culinary Leaders

  • Giorgi Tabukashvili
    Caffe Manager
    Daily Provisions
  • Ian Rynecki
    General Manager
    Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards
  • AJ Schaller
    Principal
    Inspired Eats, LLC
  • Joe Campanale
    Owner and Beverage Director
    Annona Wine, Fausto, LaLou & Bar Vinazo
  • Aniedra Nichols
    Executive Chef
    Table 6
  • Steve Palmer
    Founder, Managing Partner, and Chief Vision Officer
    The Indigo Road Hospitality Group
  • Jason Franey
    Former Executive Chef
    The Lodge at Blue Sky
  • Jenny Dorsey
    Founder
    Studio Atao, Jenny Dorsey Culinary Consulting
  • Jeffrey Porter
    Self-employed
    Learning the Vines Consulting - Hospitality & Beverage Consulting
  • Kim DiPalo
    Chief Development Officer
    Drive Change
  • Eric Rivera
    Executive Chef
    ForkKnife
  • Jocelyn Ramirez
    Owner
    Todo Verde
Find the latest compensation data across roles, experience levels, and locations.