According to DOJ-released documents indexed by Epstein Exposed, Steve Hanson appears in 8,496 case documents, and 1 email record in the Epstein files.
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.
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Steve Hanson is mentioned in documents or reporting related to the Epstein case. Being mentioned does not imply any wrongdoing, criminal conduct, or inappropriate behavior.
This dossier was generated by AI (Claude) from court filings, government releases, and other documentary sources in our database. It may contain errors or misattributions. Always verify claims against the linked source documents.
Background
Steve Hanson (Stephen P. Hanson) is an American restaurateur and founder and CEO of B.R. Guest Hospitality, established in 1987, which operated prominent New York City restaurants including Ruby Foo's, Blue Water Grill, Dos Caminos, and Strip House. He is an alumnus of NYU Stern School of Business (BS '76) and was named Bon Appétit Restaurateur of the Year in 2003.
Hanson appears extensively in the Epstein documentary record, with numerous email communications exchanged directly between Hanson and Jeffrey Epstein spanning from at least late 2013 through late 2016. Hanson communicated with Epstein using his own name and also under the handle 'Shanson900.' He was also copied on correspondence involving Epstein's attorney Richard Kahn, and appears in scheduling documents alongside other Epstein associates. Hanson has not publicly commented on his relationship with Epstein.
Epstein Connection
Steve Hanson maintained a direct and sustained email correspondence with Jeffrey Epstein from at least December 2013 through November 2016, as documented in dozens of EFTA (Epstein Files Transparency Act) email records. He emailed Epstein at both his personal name-based addresses and at [email protected]. He also used the alias 'Shanson900' in communications with Epstein. Hanson was CC'd on at least one email from Epstein's attorney Richard Kahn to Epstein. A scheduling document references moving 'Steve' and 'Todd' in relation to a meeting with 'Mort,' suggesting coordination of social or business engagements. The nature of the relationship appears to be social and possibly financial, with email subjects referencing real estate ('320 E 82nd St Letter'), payment memoranda, and topics related to 'will, trusts.'
Key Allegations(9)
Hanson maintained a frequent and sustained direct email correspondence with Jeffrey Epstein from at least December 2013 through November 2016.
documentedHanson used the email alias 'Shanson900' when communicating with Epstein.
documentedHanson was copied on correspondence between Epstein's attorney Richard Kahn and Epstein.
documentedHanson communicated with Epstein regarding real estate, specifically referencing '320 E 82nd St Letter.'
documentedEpstein emailed Hanson about topics described as 'will, trusts' in July 2014.
documentedA memorandum authored by Stephen P. Hanson addressed to Barry Sternlicht and Dan Yih regarding 'Payment' was found among Epstein's files.
documentedHanson was referenced in Epstein's scheduling communications alongside 'Todd' and 'Mort,' with a proposed meeting rescheduling.
documentedHanson was referenced in an April 2010 email from Epstein to Brice Gordon mentioning 'steve.'
allegedHanson was allegedly involved in Epstein's apparent matchmaking of Kimbal Musk with a young woman named Sarah/Jennifer in 2012-2013, and provided coaching-style advice when the relationship ended in April 2013.
allegedLegal Status
Steve Hanson appears in numerous EFTA documents as a correspondent and associate of Jeffrey Epstein. He has not been publicly charged, investigated, or identified as a witness or victim in any Epstein-related legal proceedings based on the provided evidence.
Contradictions(1)
Hanson has not publicly commented on or acknowledged any relationship with Jeffrey Epstein.
Dozens of email exchanges between Hanson and Epstein from 2013 through 2016 demonstrate a sustained direct personal correspondence, with Hanson emailing Epstein at multiple addresses including [email protected]. A memorandum in Epstein's files was authored by Hanson, and he was copied on communications with Epstein's attorney Richard Kahn.
Key Relationships(4)
Extensive direct email correspondence between Hanson and Epstein spanning December 2013 to November 2016, with emails sent to multiple Epstein addresses. Topics included real estate, wills/trusts, payments, and social engagements.
Hanson was CC'd on at least one email from Epstein's attorney Richard Kahn to Epstein, suggesting shared involvement in legal or financial matters.
A scheduling email references moving 'Steve & Todd to 2pm' so Epstein could 'make 3pm with Mort at his office,' suggesting overlapping social circles between Hanson and Mort Zuckerman through Epstein.
An April 2010 email from Epstein to Brice Gordon references 'steve,' possibly Hanson, suggesting a shared social context.
Timeline(25 events)
Jeffrey Epstein emails Brice Gordon with a reference to 'steve,' potentially Steve Hanson.
Jeffrey Epstein sends email to Stephen Hanson.
Jeffrey Epstein sends email (subject includes 'Just back'), with Hanson potentially involved in the exchange.
Jeffrey Epstein sends email to Stephen Hanson.
Jeffrey Epstein sends email to Stephen Hanson (content fragment: 'sorry, it').
Jeffrey Epstein sends email to Stephen Hanson.
Jeffrey Epstein sends email to Stephen Hanson.
Jeffrey Epstein sends email to Stephen Hanson (content fragment: 'lets be').
Jeffrey Epstein sends email to Stephen Hanson.
Jeffrey Epstein sends two emails to Stephen Hanson; one asks 'how many,' another states 'there are.'
Jeffrey Epstein sends two emails to Stephen Hanson; one references 'will, trusts.'
Jeffrey Epstein sends email to Stephen Hanson.
Stephen Hanson sends email to Jeffrey Epstein.
Stephen Hanson sends email to Jeffrey Epstein.
Stephen Hanson sends email to [email protected] (Epstein's address).
Stephen Hanson sends email to Jeffrey Epstein.
Shanson900 sends email to Jeffrey Epstein, confirming the alias belongs to Hanson.
Stephen Hanson sends email to Jeffrey Epstein.
Stephen Hanson sends email to [email protected] with subject 'JE.'
Stephen Hanson sends email to Jeffrey Epstein.
Stephen Hanson sends email to Jeffrey Epstein.
Stephen Hanson sends email to Jeffrey Epstein.
Stephen Hanson sends email to Jeffrey Epstein.
Stephen Hanson sends email to Jeffrey Epstein.
Stephen Hanson sends email (subject: 'Re: Any'), the latest documented email in the record.
At a Glance
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External Cross-Check
Search ICIJ Offshore Leaks, OFAC Sanctions, SEC EDGAR, and Federal Courts
Document Mentions
Email Mentions (1)
Schedule (38)
2010-11-19 to 2016-02-04 · 13 entries verified across multiple documents
Appointment with Joe Pagano and Steve Hanson
Appointment with Joe Pagano and Steve Hanson at Bill's Burgers
Bill's Burgers
Tentative meet up with Steve Hanson
Provocateur
QUANT MEETINGS organized by Todd Meister
Quant meetings organized by Todd Meister
JE to go out with Steve Hanson in the evening
JE to Go Out with Steve Hanson in the evening
Walk and Lunch in Central Park
Central Park
Appointment with Todd Meister & Steve Hanson
Lunch w/Bobby Slayton, David Mitchell, Todd Meister, Steve Hanson
Lunch with Bobby Slayton, David Mitchell, Todd Meister, Steve Hanson
Lunch with Bobby Slayton and Guys, David Mitchell, Todd Meister
Appt w/Steve Hanson
Meeting with Steve Hanson
Appointment with Steve Hanson
Tentative appointment with Howie, the accountant Steve Hanson would like you to meet
Appointment with Howie, the accountant Steve Hanson would like you to meet
Appt w/Steve Hanson
Steve Hanson to pick up
Steve Hanson to pick you up for dinner
View all 38 schedule entries →About Steve Hanson
Who is Steve Hanson?
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.
What is Steve Hanson's connection to Jeffrey Epstein?
Steve Hanson appears in 8,496 case documents, 0 flight logs, and 1 email from the Epstein investigation files.
Is Steve Hanson in the Epstein files?
Yes. Steve Hanson is referenced in 8,496 documents from the Epstein case files, including court filings, FBI reports, and DOJ releases.
This dossier on Steve Hanson was compiled from court records, flight logs, and public documents. 100% free, ad-free, and independent.