Margaret Zakarian
As President of Zakarian Hospitality LLC, Margaret Zakarian has played an integral part in building the Zakarian brand. After graduating from New York University, her first foray into the world of restaurants was with the group that created Republic, Indochine, Bond St., Thom Bar, and A60 at the 60 Thompson Hotel. From there she became the Director of Marketing for Lotus, the famed restaurant and nightclub that started it all in the Meatpacking District. At Lotus, Margaret played an integral role in launching the Meatpacking District Initiative and was a key force behind the marketing concept for The Double Seven, a high-end cocktail bar also located in Meatpacking.
In 2005, Margaret married Geoffrey Zakarian. Together they formed a hospitality business and introduced the critically acclaimed restaurant Country, earning 3 Stars from The New York Times as well as a Michelin Star. From there, they opened The Lambs Club and The National in New York in 2010 and reimagined the food, design and bar at the iconic Palm Court at The Plaza Hotel in 2014. Expanding to Florida in 2016, they opened two concepts at The Diplomat Beach Resort in Ft Lauderdale: Point Royal, a coastal American restaurant, and Counter Point, a lively quick serve coffee cafe. The growth has continued with a consulting project at MacArthur Place Hotel in Sonoma, CA, concepting three unique venues at the property – Layla, a comfortable, sophisticated Mediterranean kitchen, The Porch, an all-day coffee counter and marketplace, and The Bar at MacArthur, a classic American bar at the heart of the lobby.
Outside of the restaurants, Margaret developed and launched a blockbuster product line titled, Zakarian Pro For Home, which brings pro chef efficiencies to the home kitchen with innovative non-stick cookware, electric goods and cooking tools, as well as a line of food products titled, Zakarian Collection, including wine, coffee, tea, olive oil, cookies, fresh seafood and meats. In 2017, Margaret, as Executive Producer, added a media component to the Zakarian business by partnering on a food media production company, Corner Table Entertainment.
Margaret’s eye for detail and design, combined with Geoffrey’s classical culinary technique, lends their company, Zakarian Hospitality, a unique advantage in all their endeavors, whether building restaurants, producing TV and radio shows, or creating products. Margaret’s marketing savvy and ability to keep her “finger on the pulse” of the food world’s rapidly evolving landscape allows their brand to remain relevant yet classic. “It is crucial that we retain integrity and authenticity as we grow,” says Margaret. “The customer experience is always at the forefront of what we are planning and doing.”
Today, Margaret sits on the board of the Young Presidents Organization (YPO Metro) and is also a member of City Harvest’s Food Council.
