How Many Restaurants Does Edward Lee Have?

Edward Lee Restaurants: Key Takeaways

Chef Edward Lee owns 5 restaurants in the United States, all located domestically with a strong presence in Kentucky and Washington, D.C.
His portfolio includes a mix of fine dining and casual concepts, featuring modern southern cuisine and innovative Korean fusion.
Though none of Edward Lee’s restaurants currently hold Michelin stars, Succotash Prime in Washington, D.C. has earned a Bib Gourmand distinction.
Recent expansion includes the opening of Shia in Washington, D.C. in 2024, showcasing sustainable Korean American fusion cuisine.

Edward Lee is a notable chef celebrated for blending Asian and Southern American culinary traditions to exceptional effect. His restaurant empire, while modest in size compared to other celebrity chefs, is strategically focused and well-regarded within its regional markets.

This article explores how many restaurants Edward Lee owns, where they are located, and details his various restaurant concepts – from fine dining establishments to quality casual venues.

Edward Lee Restaurants: Global Presence and Restaurant Count

Edward Lee owns a total of 5 restaurants, all located in the United States. His brand currently focuses primarily on venues in Kentucky and Washington, D.C., highlighting his strong regional influence rather than a widespread global footprint.

Lee’s restaurants range across fine dining and casual dining concepts. None of the locations are franchised or licensed; all are owned directly under his leadership and management.

Region	Approx. Number of Restaurants	Notable Examples
United States	5	610 Magnolia (Louisville, KY), Succotash Prime (Washington, D.C. & National Harbor), Nami Modern Korean Steakhouse (Louisville, KY), Shia (Washington, D.C.)

Note: All restaurants are directly owned by Edward Lee or his entities as of mid-2025.

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Michelin-Starred Flagship Restaurants

While Edward Lee is widely praised for his culinary innovation, none of his restaurants currently hold Michelin stars. The Michelin Guide has not awarded stars to his venues as of 2025.

However, his restaurant Succotash Prime in Washington, D.C., and National Harbor, MD, has received a Bib Gourmand distinction—recognizing establishments that offer exceptional food at moderate prices.

Succotash Prime (Washington, D.C. and National Harbor, MD) – Bib Gourmand recipient, known for its Southern and Asian fusion menu since 2017.

Edward Lee’s focus has often been on blending Asian flavors with Southern American cuisine in approachable formats rather than exclusively pursuing Michelin accolades.

Learn more about Michelin stars and their impact on restaurants to understand how such awards influence business and reputation.

Notable Edward Lee Restaurant Concepts and Locations

Edward Lee’s restaurant portfolio is culinary diverse, showcasing strong themes of Southern American cuisine merged with Korean and broader Asian influences. His concepts balance fine dining with more casual venues to serve a broad audience.

610 Magnolia

Located in Louisville, Kentucky, 610 Magnolia is Edward Lee’s flagship fine dining restaurant known for its modern Southern cuisine featuring a seasonal tasting menu. It is a single-location venue that commands a price range of roughly $100–$150 per person.

Since opening, 610 Magnolia has been acclaimed for its innovative approach to southern ingredients and has become a culinary destination in Louisville.

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Succotash Prime

This casual dining concept has two locations, one in Washington, D.C., and one in National Harbor, Maryland. It offers a fusion of Southern and Asian flavors with menus blending comfort food and contemporary techniques.

Succotash Prime operates in the $50–$100 per person price range and is noted for its Bib Gourmand recognition. It benefits from a partnership with Knead Hospitality + Design, which assists with operational aspects.

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Nami Modern Korean Steakhouse

Located in Louisville, Kentucky, Nami Modern Korean Steakhouse is a fine dining restaurant emphasizing modern Korean BBQ and a fusion of traditional and contemporary flavors. The venue offers dishes in the price bracket of approximately $75–$125 per person.

Nami reflects Lee’s Korean heritage and his commitment to fusing Korean culinary techniques with American ingredients.

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Shia

Shia is Edward Lee’s newest addition, having opened in Washington, D.C., in 2024. This fine dining restaurant features Korean American fusion cuisine and emphasizes sustainable sourcing and practices.

Priced between $80 and $130 per person, Shia represents Lee’s continued innovation and expansion into eco-conscious dining experiences in an urban market.

Restaurants pursuing sustainability can benefit from understanding sustainability challenges and benefits in hospitality to build effective eco-friendly practices.

Edward Lee Restaurant Empire: Conclusion

Edward Lee currently owns and operates 5 restaurants, all situated in the United States, primarily in Louisville, Kentucky, and the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. His portfolio combines fine dining establishments and casual dining fusion concepts.

While none of Lee’s restaurants hold Michelin stars, the acclaim and regional respect garnered by his Bib Gourmand-rated Succotash Prime and his critically praised 610 Magnolia solidify his reputation as a culinary innovator bridging Asian and Southern American cuisines.

His focused domestic presence, ownership structure without franchising, and recent sustainable dining initiatives reflect a curated, quality-driven growth strategy rather than rapid global expansion.

Edward Lee’s restaurants emphasize creativity, sustainability, and regional culinary storytelling – making his modest but influential group stand out within the competitive American dining scene.

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01. How involved is Edward Lee in day-to-day restaurant operations?

Edward Lee is actively involved in the creative direction and menu development of his restaurants, especially the fine dining venues like 610 Magnolia and Shia. However, the daily operations are managed by trusted general managers and executive chefs.

He often works closely with partners such as Knead Hospitality + Design to oversee operational standards, allowing him to focus on culinary innovation and strategic growth.

02. Are Edward Lee’s restaurants expensive—and which ones offer the best value?

Edward Lee’s restaurants range from casual to fine dining with varied pricing. Fine dining venues typically cost between $75 and $150 per person, while casual spots range from approximately $50 to $100.

For best value, many diners appreciate Succotash Prime’s Bib Gourmand recognized menu, which offers robust flavors at a moderate price.

03. How does Edward Lee choose new cities or countries for expansion?

Edward Lee tends to expand thoughtfully within regions familiar to his culinary style and where partnerships support his brand ethos. His new ventures like Shia in Washington, D.C., reflect an interest in markets with vibrant food scenes receptive to Asian-Southern fusion.

Expansion decisions consider local food culture, access to quality ingredients, and opportunities to introduce his unique culinary voice.

04. Are Edward Lee’s restaurants sustainable or locally sourced?

Sustainability is an explicit focus at restaurants like Shia, which incorporates eco-conscious sourcing and waste reduction. Other venues emphasize regional and seasonal ingredients where possible.

Though supply chains vary, Edward Lee’s restaurants generally strive to balance quality with responsible practices.

05. Can you book Edward Lee’s restaurants online—and are there loyalty programs?

Yes, reservations for Edward Lee’s restaurants such as 610 Magnolia, Succotash Prime, and Shia can be made online through official websites or platforms like OpenTable.

Currently, there are no unified loyalty programs across his venues, but individual restaurants may offer occasional promotions or special event bookings.