Marcus Samuelsson Restaurants: Key Takeaways
- Marcus Samuelsson owns 12 restaurants worldwide spanning the United States, Canada, Bahamas, Ethiopia, and Sweden.
- Although acclaimed, Marcus Samuelsson currently holds no Michelin-starred restaurants in his portfolio.
- His signature brand Red Rooster and casual concepts like Streetbird and Marcus Bar & Grille demonstrate his range from fine dining to approachable eateries.
- The restaurant collection features unique venues like Ginny’s Supper Club and Marcus Live! Bar & Grille alongside expansion efforts into new U.S. cities such as Washington D.C..
Chef Marcus Samuelsson is a renowned culinary figure known for blending diverse cultural influences across his restaurant lineup. As of 2025, his restaurant empire comprises a dozen eateries offering experiences from fine dining to casual.
This article explores Marcus Samuelsson’s global restaurant footprint, highlighting his presence in key regions, signature concepts, and the distinctive elements that differentiate his culinary brand.
Restaurant owners considering expansion may find useful insights in our how to become a successful restaurant owner spotlight.
Marcus Samuelsson Restaurants: Global Presence and Restaurant Count
Marcus Samuelsson operates 12 restaurants worldwide as of 2025. His portfolio spans diverse markets including the United States, Canada, the Bahamas, Ethiopia, and Sweden.
The collection includes a mix of casual dining eateries, fine dining establishments, and unique venues, with a strong concentration in the U.S. His restaurants reflect a blend of cultural influences, emphasizing American, Ethiopian, and Scandinavian flavors.
Region | Approx. Number of Restaurants | Notable Examples |
---|---|---|
United States | 8 | Red Rooster (Harlem, NY), Hav & Mar (Chelsea, NY), Metropolis (NYC), Marcus Bar & Grille (Atlanta), Ginny’s Supper Club (NYC), Marcus Live! Bar & Grille (New Jersey), Streetbird (Las Vegas, Yankee Stadium) |
Canada | 1 | MARCUS (Montreal) |
Bahamas | 3 | Streetbird, MARCUS, Vibe BBQ |
Ethiopia | 1 | MARCUS (Addis Ababa) |
Sweden | 1 | Norda (Sweden) |
Owned entirely by Marcus Samuelsson, the restaurants are centralized in culturally significant urban and resort locations, including music venues and performing arts centers, enhancing their appeal to local and tourist clientele alike.
Expansion plans from 2023 to 2025 include a new location in Washington D.C. to further extend his presence in major U.S. cities.
Restaurant operators interested in optimizing staffing should review our spotlight on restaurant staff hiring strategies.
Michelin-Starred Flagship Restaurants
Despite Marcus Samuelsson’s critical acclaim and numerous awards, none of his restaurants currently hold Michelin stars as of 2025.
His approach focuses more on delivering culturally rich dining experiences through a mix of elevated casual and fine dining concepts rather than targeting Michelin recognition.
- No Michelin-starred restaurants in the portfolio as of 2025.
For insights into Michelin-starred success, see our spotlight on restaurant Michelin stars statistics.
Notable Marcus Samuelsson Restaurant Concepts and Locations
Marcus Samuelsson’s diverse restaurant concepts showcase his culinary heritage and inventive spirit, appealing to a broad demographic from casual diners to fine food enthusiasts.
“Red Rooster” Restaurants
Red Rooster is arguably Samuelsson’s flagship casual dining brand, rooted in celebrating American cuisine with a vibrant Harlem-inspired atmosphere.
There are two locations: Harlem, New York, and Overtown, Miami. These restaurants emphasize live music and a lively social dining environment.
The price range is approximately $30 to $60 per person, offering classic dishes with a modern twist inspired by Southern and soul food traditions.
Bar management is crucial in lively spots like Red Rooster; see our guide on pros and cons of being a bar manager for hospitality professionals.
Streetbird
Streetbird is a casual concept focusing on rotisserie and fried chicken with hip-hop themed decor that reflects urban culture.
It operates three locations: Las Vegas, USA; the New York Yankees Stadium; and the Bahamas.
Price points range from $15 to $30, catering to quick, flavorful meals in high-traffic venues.
“MARCUS” Fine Dining
The MARCUS brand exemplifies Samuelsson’s fine dining philosophy, combining international flavors and local influences.
There are three MARCUS locations: Montreal in Canada, Nassau in the Bahamas, and Addis Ababa in Ethiopia.
Pricing varies between $50 and $100 per person reflecting the upscale, multi-cultural menu and elegant dining setting.
Marcus Bar & Grille
This is a single casual dining location in Atlanta, offering wood-fired comfort food in a dynamic neighborhood environment.
Price ranges here are $40 to $80 per person, targeting audiences seeking a high-quality yet relaxed dining experience.
Learn about bartending from professionals in environments like Marcus Bar & Grille via our spotlight on how to hire a bartender.
Hav & Mar
Located in Chelsea, New York, Hav & Mar is a fine-dining restaurant with a seafood-centric menu blending Ethiopian and Swedish culinary traditions.
Typical spending is $60 to $120 per person, aligning with its premium fresh ingredients and sophisticated plating.
Metropolis
Metropolis, situated inside the Perelman Performing Arts Center in New York City, offers theatrical and immersive fine dining.
It is priced between $50 and $100 per person and capitalizes on its cultural setting to provide a distinctive dining experience tied to the arts community.
Vibe BBQ
Vibe BBQ is a casual dining spot in the Bahamas featuring American comfort classics with an emphasis on house-smoked meats.
The price range is moderate, between $20 and $40 per person, appealing to both locals and tourists seeking authentic BBQ flavors.
Norda
Norda is a unique fine dining venue located in Samuelsson’s native Sweden.
Here, he combines North American flavors with traditional Swedish dishes, offering a culinary bridge between the continents.
Expect a fine dining price point of $50 to $100 per person reflecting its elevated menu and culinary innovation.
Unique Venues
Aside from his main restaurant brands, Marcus Samuelsson operates two notable unique venues that emphasize atmosphere and entertainment:
Ginny’s Supper Club in New York City is a classic speakeasy-style venue renowned for live music performances and an intimate dining setting.
Marcus Live! Bar & Grille, located in the American Dream mall in New Jersey, provides a vibrant bar experience coupled with an extensive wine list, catering largely to shoppers and casual visitors.
For restaurant managers overseeing multiple unique venues, our spotlight on how to hire a restaurant manager is a recommended resource.
Marcus Samuelsson Restaurant Empire: Conclusion
Marcus Samuelsson’s restaurant empire totals 12 locations worldwide, with his presence strongly established in the United States and strategic entries into Canada, the Bahamas, Ethiopia, and Sweden.
While he currently operates no Michelin-starred establishments, his portfolio spans a spectrum from affordable casual dining to refined fine dining experiences, unified by a commitment to cultural fusion and vibrant atmospheres.
His ownership model is fully proprietary, eschewing franchising or licensing to maintain quality and brand integrity.
With plans for expansion into cities like Washington D.C. and strong partnerships with Resorts World Las Vegas and Clarion Hotels, Samuelsson continues to grow his presence thoughtfully and strategically.
Whether through the soulful celebration of Red Rooster or the elegant culinary offerings of MARCUS and Hav & Mar, Marcus Samuelsson's restaurants reflect a uniquely global yet personal culinary vision.
Employers aiming to enhance recruitment in their businesses can explore our restaurant staffing spotlight for strategies tailored to hospitality.