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Ken Friedman
James Beard Award winner
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i. Biography
Ken Friedman set The Spotted Pig in New York City on a hospitality model that treated the room as part of the work: the night was built around pace, sequencing, and control of the table. "What I do every night is just throw a party."
The Climb
Before restaurants, Ken Friedman worked as executive, a&r at Arista Records, a background that reads through the way he moved into hospitality: as co-owner / restaurateur at The Spotted Pig in New York City (2004–2020), then at The John Dory Oyster Bar (until 2018), Breslin Bar & Dining Room (until 2018), Salvation Taco (until 2018), and White Gold Butchers (until 2018). He was also involved in creation / helped secure initial lease at Horses in Los Angeles (from 2020), and served as co-owner / restaurateur at Hearth & Hound in Los Angeles (until 2018) and Tosca in San Francisco (until 2018).
Today
He is the founder of The Spotted Pig.
In Their Words “What I do every night is just throw a party.”
Profile updated July 2026
FAQ
Asked of Ken
What recognition has Ken Friedman received?
James Beard Award for Outstanding Restaurateur (2016).
