Stephen Hanson, a prominent figure in New York’s restaurant industry, is facing renewed attention for his longtime association with Jeffrey Epstein. Hanson’s restaurants, including Blue Water Grill and Ruby Foo’s, were fixtures in Manhattan’s dining landscape through the early 2000s.
Documents and interviews published last week detail Hanson’s role as a frequent companion and facilitator for Epstein. Sources describe Hanson as present at private dinners and gatherings, often helping coordinate hospitality for Epstein’s guests. These events were sometimes held in private rooms of Hanson’s own establishments.
On Friday night, outside Blue Water Grill’s former Union Square address, several longtime restaurant workers expressed surprise at the depth of Hanson’s involvement. “He was always around the big tables,” said a former manager who declined to be named. “There were nights you knew the reservation list was for someone important.”
The renewed focus comes as the city enters peak summer season, with many in the industry reflecting on the legacy of past power players. Hanson, who has kept a low public profile in recent years, did not respond to requests for comment. His former restaurant group, BR Guest, was sold off over a decade ago.
Industry observers note that as the city’s restaurant scene continues to reinvent itself, questions of past complicity and influence remain unsettled. The story is likely to continue to develop as more details emerge in the coming weeks.