Jeffrey Epstein and the restaurateur
Over decades, Stephen Hanson traded favors with the disgraced financier.
Where to Eat
June 5, 2026

The files released by the Justice Department detailing the life of the convicted sex offender and financier Jeffrey Epstein include emails, texts and other correspondence between him and his closest friends and associates. Among them was the restaurateur Stephen Hanson, who once owned a group of splashy, high-volume New York City restaurants like Blue Water Grill and Ruby Foo’s. In a new report, Kim Severson details the long friendship between Mr. Epstein and Mr. Hanson, who helped Mr. Epstein in many ways, including arranging jobs, visas and entertainment for women in his orbit.

THE EPSTEIN FILES

Steve Hanson and Jeffrey Epstein pose with their arms around each other at a crowded hotel pool.

U.S. Department of Justice

When Jeffrey Epstein needed favors, this restaurant mogul was there

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