Stephen Cohen is one of the premier real estate attorneys in the restaurant and retail industries. An expert in strategic planning, leasing, financing and development, Stephen provides trusted counsel for real estate- driven brands of all sizes including STK Steakhouse, BJ’s Restaurants, Einstein Bagels, Kona Grill, Hell’s Kitchen and many others.

Stephen has been practicing real estate law for four decades. After graduating third in his class from New York Law School, he joined Rogers & Wells in New York. His talent for tackling complex business and real estate transactions led to him to Minneapolis, where he served as in-house counsel for The Musicland Group, a national music and video retailer with hundreds of locations. Stephen then joined Rainforest Café as General Counsel and
Senior Vice President of Real Estate, where he led the company’s national and international expansion.

Guided by his passion for helping his clients navigate the complexities of the restaurant and retail businesses, Stephen opened his own practice in 2001. In addition to working with national operators, franchisees, independent restaurateurs and entrepreneurs, he speaks at national and regional conferences about real estate and commercial leasing. He also serves on the board of Red Hook Responds, a not-for-profit organization that responds to food insecurity and supports agriculture, emergency relief and other community needs in Dutchess County, New York. When Stephen’s not working, he enjoys traveling, reading, listening to jazz, practicing yoga and spending time with his two grown daughters in Brooklyn, New York.