JAE LEE

Chef Jae Lee is the founder of Nowon, the Korean-American gastropub redefining New York dining with bold flavors, hip-hop energy, and a grassroots spirit.

From his legendary cheeseburger to kimchi-driven late-night plates, Jae has grown Nowon into a cultural landmark with locations in the East Village, Bushwick, and Boston’s Seaport. Unlike many chefs, he expanded without outside investors—reinvesting profits to open Bushwick and strategically licensing the brand in Boston.

A devoted Catholic, husband, and father, Jae balances family life in Long Island City with leading a growing restaurant group.