New York City restaurant mogul and founder of B.R. Guest Hospitality (est. 1987), which operated prominent NYC restaurants including Ruby Foo's, Blue Water Grill, Dos Caminos, and Strip House.
NYU Stern alum (BS ‘76). Named Bon Appetit Restaurateur of the Year in 2003. Appears in multiple Epstein email exchanges, communicating directly with Epstein under the handle 'Shanson900.’ In a 2015 email to Epstein, Hanson referenced a dinner discussing Putin and Syria, writing ‘Last nite was absolutely great.’ Most notably, Hanson was involved in Epstein's apparent matchmaking of Kimbal Musk (Elon Musk's brother) with a young woman named Sarah/Jennifer in 2012-2013.
When Kimbal ended the relationship in April 2013, Sarah forwarded his breakup email to both Epstein and Hanson for advice. Hanson's response criticized Sarah for giving ‘too much too quick’ and instructed her to ‘Leave NOW. In 1 week we will have a plan for u,’ adding ‘U have to control this.
It's a game. Your losing. You're not even playing’ - language that suggests he was aware of and possibly coordinating the arrangement Epstein was orchestrating.
A February 2026 Fortune investigation characterized this as a potential honey trap operation targeting Elon Musk's inner circle. Hanson has not publicly commented on his relationship with Epstein.