Sign In

Maiko Kyogoku

Owner at Bessou

Maiko Kyogoku is the owner and founder of Bessou, a Japanese restaurant located in New York City. Growing up in a restaurant family on the Upper West Side, she was deeply influenced by her father's sushi restaurant, Rikyu, which operated for about 30 years. Despite her early exposure to the restaurant industry, she initially pursued a career in children's publishing and later worked in the art world alongside contemporary artist Takashi Murakami. However, her passion for restaurants eventually led her back to the culinary field.

In 2016, after gaining extensive experience in restaurant management with notable figures like Daniel Boulud and the Bromberg Brothers, Kyogoku opened Bessou. The restaurant aims to celebrate Japanese home cooking and provide a sense of comfort and warmth through its offerings. The name "Bessou" translates to "home away from home," reflecting her desire to share her love for Japanese cuisine and family traditions.123

Kyogoku's vision for Bessou is to create a space that embodies the hospitality of Japanese culture, known as omotenashi, while serving modern interpretations of traditional dishes. The restaurant has received critical acclaim from various food publications, highlighting its unique approach to Japanese-American comfort food.23

Highlights

Apr 15 · linkedin

Calling all industry friends! We're looking for a kitchen prep/brunch cook. Please let me know if you know of anyone. Looking to hire ASAP.

Jun 24 · linkedin

I'm opening a restaurant next month and we're looking for all FOH and BOH positions! Bessou is a restaurant located in Noho on Bleecker Street off Bowery serving everyday Japanese home cooking with modern European and American nuances. Please let me know if you or someone else may be interested! (Full time and Part time positions available)

Related Questions

What inspired Maiko Kyogoku to transition from the art world to the restaurant industry?
How did Maiko Kyogoku's experience working for Daniel Boulud influence her approach to running Bessou?
What are some signature dishes at Bessou that reflect Maiko Kyogoku's Japanese heritage?
How does Bessou incorporate the concept of "home away from home" into its dining experience?
What challenges did Maiko Kyogoku face when opening Bessou, and how did she overcome them?
M
Add to my network

Location

New York City Metropolitan Area