Smith & Wollensky Announces International Expansion, Opening New Locations in Taiwan, South Korea, Japan, and A Happy Return to Columbus, Ohio
Building on decades of culinary excellence, “America’s Steakhouse” expands its global footprint
BOSTON, MA - Smith & Wollensky, the dining brand celebrated as “America’s Steakhouse,” renowned for its USDA Prime dry-aged steaks, American Wagyu, award-winning wine list, and gracious hospitality, announces an ambitious expansion of its brand both internationally and domestically. The restaurant brand has successfully opened a new establishment in Taichung, Taiwan and is slated to open a location in Seoul, South Korea this fall. The company has also continued its Asian development program with plans to bring Smith & Wollensky to Japan. This expansion marks a significant milestone in its international growth. Additionally, the brand is excited to announce its return to Columbus, Ohio, continuing its domestic expansion. This strategic growth underscores Smith & Wollensky’s commitment to bringing its exceptional dining experience to a broader audience, at home and abroad.
“We are overjoyed to share the unfolding story of Smith & Wollensky’s journey as we open new chapters in Taichung, Seoul, Tokyo, and rekindle our presence in Columbus, Ohio. Our mission to expand our brand is a testament to our passion for extending the Smith & Wollensky experience—where classic American steakhouse traditions are served with a side of global flair to old and new guests from around the world,” expressed Kimberly Lapine, CMO of Smith & Wollensky.
Off the heels of the fifth anniversary of its Taipei location earlier this year, Smith & Wollensky has expanded its presence in Taiwan with its new location in Taichung. Situated on the 34th floor of the CDB Time Square, this restaurant is now the highest steakhouse in the city, offering breathtaking views combined with high-end American dining. The venue spans 660 square meters, accommodating 150 guests, and features a sophisticated blend of the brand’s traditional green and wood accents, contemporary art, and comfortable seating designed to enhance the dining experience. It houses private rooms, a lively bar area, and an outdoor terrace with spellbinding views.
The restaurant group is also slated to open a new location in Seoul, South Korea this fall. The restaurant will be located in Hannam-dong, an upscale residential and cultural hub of Seoul. The area has an international atmosphere with numerous foreign embassies and high-end boutiques, restaurants, and commercial facilities that attract travelers, high-income individuals and trend-conscious visitors. The Seoul Smith & Wollensky will have the largest bespoke dry- aging facility in Korea and will serve a selection of USDA Prime Beef, hand-selected from within the top 2% of all US beef. The steaks will be complemented by a curated collection of over 700 wines including some of the most prestigious premium American wines available.
Smith & Wollensky has also signed a Master Territory Agreement with Bayshore Pacific Restaurants Ltd. (HK), marking a significant commitment to the Asian market. This partnership paves the way for up to seven new Smith & Wollensky locations across Japan, targeting major cities such as Tokyo, Yokohama, Osaka, Nagoya, and Sapporo. The inaugural venture is a collaboration with Transit General, set to establish a flagship restaurant in the prestigious Ginza district of Tokyo. Slated for an early 2026 launch, this multi-level culinary destination promises to be a feast for the senses, featuring a striking vertical wine room as the centerpiece of its architectural design.
Also marking a highly anticipated return, Smith & Wollensky is set to reintroduce itself to the Columbus market with a new downtown venue at the heart of the city’s revitalization. In collaboration with Nationwide Realty Investors, the restaurant will be strategically located next to the Hyatt Regency Columbus, connecting seamlessly with the Greater Columbus Convention Center and just a short distance from the Nationwide Arena and the Short North Arts District. After a temporary hiatus in its operations due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the re-establishment of Smith & Wollensky in Columbus marks a jubilant return to the city, emphasizing its dedication to the community’s economic and cultural revival. Positioned as a keystone in downtown Columbus’s vibrant resurgence, Smith & Wollensky is poised to reintroduce its legacy of exceptional dining and unrivaled hospitality. The restaurant is slated to open in the summer of 2025.
Smith & Wollensky is continuing its global expansion, focusing on areas with a strong economy, culinary culture, and a strong sense of community. To learn more, visit smithandwollensky.com, or on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.
About Smith and Wollensky
Since its establishment in 1977 as America’s classic steakhouse, Smith & Wollensky has been committed to delivering unparalleled hospitality and the best USDA Prime steaks, dry-aged for tenderness and flavor and hand butchered on site daily. Smith & Wollensky Restaurant Group is headquartered in Boston, and owns and operates seven iconic Smith & Wollensky locations in the U.S.: Miami Beach; Chicago; Las Vegas; Columbus; and three restaurants in Boston. International locations include London, Taipei and most recently Taichung. The acclaimed wine list, rich ambiance and exceptional service are designed to provide guests with a truly memorable steakhouse experience. Smith & Wollensky has received numerous local and national awards, including the “Grand Award of Excellence” from WINE SPECTATOR and the “Award of Excellence” from Distinguished Restaurants of North America. Follow Smith & Wollensky on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.
About PPX Hospitality Brands
PPX Hospitality Brands is a Boston-based hospitality group that includes The Smith & Wollensky Restaurant Group, The Strega Group and Legal Sea Foods Restaurant Group. To learn more, visit https://www.ppxhospitalitybrands.com/.
