Nobu Hotels’ Remarkable 10th Anniversary

CELEBRATING A DECADE OF LUXURY AND HOSPITALITY

 

The name Nobu Matsuhisa requires no introduction. As one of the most renowned restauranteurs on a global scale, his influence on dining and hospitality reverberates across every corner of the world. Anchored by his enduring partnership with Robert De Niro and Meir Teper, Nobu Hospitality stands as a luxury lifestyle brand known for its intuitive design, premium ingredients, vibrant energy, and unwavering commitment to service excellence.

The narrative of the Nobu brand takes root in the late 1980’s when Robert De Niro’s initial visit to Matsuhisa’s eponymous sushi restaurant in Los Angeles marked the beginning. After four years of perseverance, De Niro successfully persuaded Nobu to extend his culinary artistry to De Niro’s own Manhattan realm. This culminated in the emergence of sister brand Nobu in 1994, gracing a serene TriBeCa street. Possessing a 150-seat capacity and ensconced within a space crafted by the Rockwell Group, Nobu introduced an innovative and pioneering approach to Japanese cuisine. Swiftly amassing popularity and universal acclaim, Nobu stood as a transformative force, not only for its unprecedented flavor combinations but also for its departure from traditional Japanese norms, embracing the distinctive Nobu Style. With its ever-growing acclaim and expansion, the foundation was laid for the birth of Nobu Hospitality.

In 2009, the impetus to venture into the world of Nobu Hotels was ignited by De Niro, prompted by the success of a restaurant nested within a branded hotel. Recognizing that the hospitality realm was attainable given the success of the restaurants, De Niro observed that hotels housing a Nobu restaurant flourished due to the allure of the culinary experience. This led to a partnership with Caesars Entertainment, resulting in the inaugural Nobu Hotel at Caesars Palace in 2013. The hotel received widespread attention and media coverage. Following the debut, the Nobu partners received requests for three additional hotel projects, thus leading to the inception of the hotel legacy.

Since the pivotal decision to launch the first hotel in Las Vegas, Nobu has been fortunate to collaborate with property owners who have experienced success and subsequently invested in expanding the brand’s footprint. On the trajectory to reach 40 hotels by year-end, this success is attributed to the dedication of our owners and their unwavering commitment to the brand.

Building on the achievement of the hotels, the residential dimension emerged as a logical progression. The first residential project was unveiled in Toronto in 2017, with plans to open its 650 residences within the coming years. After the residences were announced, all units were sold out within a span of 90 days. This enthusiastic and rapid uptake served as a clear indication that the world was ready for the Nobu residences. Since the introduction of these residences, we now have a portfolio of ten projects in development, poised to open their doors within the upcoming years. The remarkable growth in this sector has been fueled by the interest of hotel owners in establishing residences as well. The allure of living the Nobu lifestyle is an extraordinary experience, enticing many of our existing customers to invest in this distinctive way of life.

Reflecting on the incredible journey of Nobu Hotels, covering a decade of resounding successes, it is truly awe-inspiring to witness the exceptional growth and widespread acclaim that have defined our brand. From the visionary partnership between Nobu Matsuhisa, Robert De Niro, and Meir Teper to the thriving success of our iconic hotels and the expansion into the world of residences, every step has been marked by innovation, dedication, and a commitment to delivering unparalleled experiences. As we stand on the cusp of an even more promising future, we remain deeply grateful to our loyal customers, dedicated teams, and visionary owners who have propelled Nobu’s ascent to great heights in the hospitality industry.

Kanpai to all!