Presenting 2026 Hotelie Hall of Fame Story - Jimi Yui ’79

Published on August 12, 2026

 

An excerpt from Jimi's story...

James Beard award-winner Jimi Yui speaks the language of chefs, affording him the unique ability to create the stages where they perform.

Jimi’s passions for food and design…the recurring themes in his life and work…were cultivated early during his childhood in The Guest House, his family’s acclaimed Shanghai- and Peking-style restaurant in Tokyo. His interests then took form during his years at Cornell’s Hotel and Architecture Schools and resulted in a 50-year career designing some of the world’s most celebrated hospitality projects.

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