Chef Brian Lewis Announces BANA

Press release

INTRODUCING FULL HOUSE HOSPITALITY GROUP: A PREMIER CULINARY BRAND IN THE NORTHEAST REDEFINING INNOVATION AND COMMUNITY LED BY CELEBRATED CHEF BRIAN LEWIS

Full House Consolidates the Esteemed Restaurant Concepts of The Cottage and OKO Under One Brand and Boldly Expands its Offering with an Array of Exciting New Initiatives

WESTPORT, CT – Full House Hospitality Group proudly announces its official establishment as a premier culinary brand under the visionary leadership of its award-winning Chef Brian Lewis. The group unites the distinguished establishments of The Cottage and OKO, spanning across Connecticut and New York. Seamlessly blending creativity with tradition, Chef Lewis has curated an epicurean journey that has captivated diners for nearly a decade, making his restaurants some of the most coveted dining spots in the region. Now, with Full House Hospitality Group, Chef Lewis embarks on a new chapter, promising exceptional new concepts and initiatives that are set to further elevate the dining landscape and delight food enthusiasts across the Northeast.

One of Full House Hospitality Group’s highly anticipated launches is BANA – a seasonal, intimate, and elevated pop-up dining event, embodying Chef Lewis’ passion for exploring diverse gastronomic traditions and cultural richness worldwide. Each menu will deliver a rich tapestry of flavors and exploration to every region, popping up in distinct locations throughout Fairfield and Westchester counties. With each season, Bana promises to transport guests to a new concept ranging from New England to Japan and beyond, offering an immersive dining adventure reflecting the essence of each culinary region. BANA tickets are priced at $200 per person or $275 per person with a special sake and wine pairing, inclusive of sales tax and a 22% service fee. 25% of all ticket proceeds will go directly to Chef Brian Lewis's Family Meal Foundation.

The Family Meal Foundation, set to launch in May, aims to offer solace and sustenance to community welfare. Chef Lewis’ team will be delivering wholesome meals to individuals facing challenging circumstances such as bereavement or health-related struggles, fostering a sense of compassion and care directly to households through the nourishing power of food.

"Today marks an exciting milestone as we officially introduce Full House Hospitality Group, uniting our cherished establishments under one banner. By grouping The Cottage and OKO under an umbrella brand, patrons can anticipate a consistent standard of excellence in service, quality, and innovative cuisine across our locations in Connecticut and New York," says Brian Lewis, Executive Chef and Founder of Full House Hospitality Group. “In addition to this consolidation, diners can look forward to new ventures ranging from BANA to the heartfelt endeavors of the Family Meal Foundation, and much more. Our vision extends beyond restaurant operations—we're here to spark conversations, excite, and unite our community.”

To coincide with this momentous announcement, Full House Hospitality Group has unveiled its new website, complete with a fresh logo and branding that reflects Chef Lewis's vision. The group also invites food enthusiasts to connect with them on their Instagram channel, @FullHouseHG, where followers can stay abreast of Chef Lewis's favorite seasonal ingredients and gather tips and techniques through the monthly "In The Kitchen" video series.

Chef Brian Lewis, a New York native, is celebrated as one of the Northeast's most distinguished talents, renowned for his dedication to quality and seasonally driven cuisine. His upscale eatery, The Cottage, located in Westport and Greenwich, Connecticut, earned an "excellent" review from The New York Times within four months of its opening, praised for its sophisticated menu in a cozy setting. Similarly, OKO, showcasing his love for Japanese cuisine, gained acclaim with Forbes hailing its Westport branch as competitive with Manhattan's best, leading to its expansion to Rye, New York, and earning a spot on the MICHELIN Guide’s list of New Plate Establishments in New York in 2021. Additionally, Lewis received semi-finalist nods for the James Beard Awards’ Best Chef: Northeast in 2018 and 2022. Notably, he secured a significant milestone by defeating Chef Bobby Flay on the Food Network, further cementing his status among the industry elite. Prior to his successes building The Cottage and OKO, Lewis garnered national recognition as the Founding Executive Chef of Richard Gere’s The Bedford Post Inn, earning accolades such as Esquire Magazine's "Best New Restaurant" list in 2009. His journey began in Westchester, New York, where he discovered his passion for cooking at an early age, later honing his skills at the Culinary Institute of America and Johnson and Wales University, under the tutelage of renowned chefs like Jean Louis Palladin and Marco Pierre White, shaping his distinctive style.

On behalf of celebrated Chef & Owner Brian Lewis at Full House Hospitality Group, we are pleased to announce BANA – the group’s new seasonal and elevated pop-up dining experience. Each menu draws inspiration from global gastronomic traditions and cultural richness, promising an exhilarating exploration of flavors. Across Fairfield and Westchester counties, BANA will emerge in distinctive locations, guiding guests on a culinary journey through various destinations.
From the tranquil shores of New England to the vibrant streets of Japan for the inaugural event, each one will unveil a fresh concept, inviting diners to immerse themselves in an unforgettable experience. Chef Lewis’ intimate pop-ups will pay homage to his insatiable passion for exploring diverse cuisines and cultures worldwide, offering a delightful escape to new adventures.
The first-ever BANA will take place on Saturday, July 20 at 7 PM at Wakeman Town Farm in Westport, CT (134 Cross Hwy, Westport, CT 06880). Both Chef Lewis and Director of Operations for Full House, Ralph Leon, will take diners on a culinary voyage celebrating the treasures and techniques of both the New England and Japanese coastlines. The chef’s tasting menu will showcase fish, shellfish, and vegetables sourced from the New England coastline and local farms.
25% of all ticket proceeds will directly support Chef Brian Lewis’ new Family Meal Foundation. He created this to provide comfort and support through savory meals brought to the homes of those in need during times in life when they are healing from the loss of a loved one, or faced with medical and emotional challenges, bringing community, compassion and caring right to their heart and homes through the gift of food.
Since its formation in 2015, Full House Hospitality Group has created highly inspired, inventive, and successful restaurants in the world of food and wine. Founded by two-time James Beard nominated Chef & Owner, Brian Lewis, the group owns and manages the award-winning restaurants, The Cottage and OKO, with current locations in Westport and Greenwich CT, as well as Rye, N.Y.
BANA tickets are priced at $200 per person or $275 per person with a special sake and wine pairing, inclusive of sales tax and a 22% service fee.