Richard Notar is the Managing Partner of Nobu New York, honored in May 1995 at the James Beard Awards as the “Best New Restaurant in America.” Under his direction Nobu has won unprecedented praise and three star reviews from the New York Times, New York Observer, Village Voice, Crain’s New York Business, Wine Spectator and hundreds of publications internationally.

Richie’s organizational abilities, restaurant savvy, and warm personality were prime reasons why he was chosen to be the opening General Manager by the owners; noted restaurateur Drew Nieporent, Executive Chef Nobu Matsuhisa, and actor Robert De Niro. Opened with Richie at the helm in August 1994, the restaurant is noted for unique and vividly seasoned Japanese cuisine with many surprises. Some of Nobu’s star-studded clientele beat a path to the sushi bar. Others prefer more leisurely full course dinners. Whatever the preference, Richie keeps it all flowing.

Prior to joining Nobu, Richie worked as one of Drew Nieporent’s managers at the heralded waterfront restaurant East Hampton Point and was subsequently promoted to General Manager.

Richie is knowledgeable about the front and back-of-the-house. He started his career in the hospitality industry as a busboy at Ian Schrager’s Studio 54 in its heyday. He experienced the kitchen side as a chef, working in several restaurants and hotels in New York City, including the Intercontinental, Mayflower, La Colonna, and several catering ventures. He then assisted Steve Rubel in the opening of the Morgans Hotel, serving as room service manager. He also consulted at the opening of the Paramount Hotel, and was restaurant manager at the 44 Restaurant in The Royalton Hotel.

Richie oversees the operations of all Nobu restaurants in the US as well as those in London.

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