Former CEO of Fuku joins Cote Korean Steakhouse parent as COO

Cote Korean Steakhouse blends traditional Korean barbecue with an American steakhouse./Photo courtesy of Gracious Hospitality Management.

The New York-based parent of the Michelin-starred Cote Korean Steakhouse is beefing up its executive team as it prepares for new growth with both domestic and international projects in the works, the company said Friday.

Alex Munoz-Suarez has been named COO of Gracious Hospitality Management, parent to Cote Korean Steakhouse, the cocktail lounge Undercote and sister-concept Cote Miami.

Alex Munoz-Suarez./Photo courtesy of Gracious Hospitality Management.

Munoz-Suarez is the former president of Momofuku, and he later became CEO of a fast-casual spinoff brand called Fuku, that focused on that brand’s iconic fried chicken sandwiches. Before that, Munoz-Suarez spent a decade with Batali & Bastianich Hospitality Group.

In addition, Kent Krekorian was named CFO of Gracious Hospitality. He served previously as the CFO for SimpleReach, a marketing technology company. And he was an investment analyst at Pacific Alternative Asset Management Co.

Kent Krekorian./Photo courtesy of Gracious Hospitality Management.

Jacqueline Hensel, the former director of marketing and food council at City Harvest, was named the first vice president of marketing and communications for Gracious Hospitality. Before her six years with City Harvest, Hensel did communications work with the chef and restaurateurs Bill Telepan, and Kurt Gutenbrunner.

Jacqueline Hensel./Photo courtesy of Gracious Hospitality Management.

The three executives also join as partners, alongside proprietor and CEO Simon Kim.

“Over the last five years, Gracious Hospitality Management has developed a reputation for delivering unwavering hospitality and convivial cuisine,” Kim said in a statement. “We’re pairing that success with a strong group of new leadership, bringing innovative ideas, passion and a wealth of experience to propel the company into this next phase of growth and expansion.”

Members help make our journalism possible. Become a Restaurant Business member today and unlock exclusive benefits, including unlimited access to all of our content. Sign up here.