Owner Steve Olsen began working in the restaurant industry at age 16. He started in the kitchen and worked his way through every position in the business. Steve opened the West Bank Cafe when he was all of 24. A passionate wine collector, he has amassed over 250 labels and holds holds vinification, viniculture, and blind wine tasting certificates from the American Sommelier Association. In keeping with West Bank Cafe's close ties to the theater and film worlds, Steve has nurtured young actors, writers, and directors—including Lewis Black, Sean Penn, and Side Man playwright Warren Leight—many of whom appeared in and staged performances at the downstairs Laurie Beechman Theater, on their way to accomplished careers.
Kenny Bell holds the titles of both Special Events Co-ordinator and Theatre manager, a native New Yorker, he has come a full circle, starting as a musical theatre performer which led to performing in industrial shows and ending up in special events. He has worked in event, catering & convention planning in New York City, Chicago & Las Vegas. Kenny has represented many New York Restaurant Corps. in the past 15 years as a special events director and has worked with such clients as ABC, Sony, Price Waterhouse Coopers Radio City Music Hall and MTV. Kenny has been with West Bank Cafe and The Laurie Beechman Theatre since January 2006.
Jeremy Gatto joined the West Bank Cafe team in 2013 as General Manager. He loves to share his passion for food, beverage and hospitality. Especially his love for wine and spirits. Jeremy has created many cocktail and wine lists that have been nationally recognized by Wine Spectator. Before West Bank Cafe, Jeremy had previously worked for the likes of Chef Mario Batali and Chef Jean Georges.