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Recognizable as a Bravo TV “Top Chef” contestant, as well as from the Food Network’s “Chefs vs. City”, Chef Stephen Hopcraft is the Executive Chef at STK in the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas. Leading the kitchen of “the sexiest steakhouse on the Strip” that averages hundreds of covers nightly, Chef Hopcraft’s culinary creations along with STK’s coveted “vibe dining” make the restaurant the place to see and be seen and keeps guests coming back for more.

Hopcraft credits the beginnings of his culinary journey to his mother’s adventurous cooking style when growing up in Shaker Heights, Ohio. By adding unique ingredients to staple Midwestern comfort dishes, she created artful yet familiar recipes that would become the basis for Hopcraft’s own approach as a chef. A serendipitous move to the California coast in 1988 led Hopcraft to meet Chef Thomas Vinolus, the proprietor of the Bittersweet Bistro. Becoming Hopcraft’s mentor, Vinolus inspired him to enroll in the prominent California Culinary Academy of San Francisco, where he further honed his skills in embellishing the delicious simplicity of classic dishes and fresh food.

Hopcraft’s talents were quickly recognized and he garnered an internship with Chicago’s renowned chef Charlie Trotter in 1994. From there Hopcraft went on to develop a friendship with highly-acclaimed chef Michael Mina, and worked for his restaurant group in many of Mina’s restaurants, including Aqua, Arcadia, StripSteak and SeaBlue. While working for Mina, Chef Hopcraft was able to truly develop within the culinary world and further push himself to create new and innovative flavor combinations.

Coming into The ONE Group family as the Executive Chef of STK Las Vegas upon its opening in 2010, Chef Hopcraft has brought his years of expertise to the forefront of the modern steakhouse and continues to maintain one of the busiest kitchens on the Las Vegas Strip. When he’s not in the kitchen, Chef Hopcraft enjoys a game of golf and spending time with his twin daughters

John Smolen was born and raised in the great state of Maryland. As a graduate from the University of Maryland, with degrees in both Finance and Accounting, John migrated to Las Vegas for a change in weather and work life balance. Upon arriving in Las Vegas, John and his brother Mark immediately noticed the lack of East Coast flavor and fresh seafood available. Leveraging their Maryland roots, where crab is king, they co-founded Nevada Seafood Distributors in 2008. That wholesale venture still focuses on importing live shellfish into Las Vegas daily.

As a natural progression, they started Crab Corner Maryland Seafood House in 2010. The original Crab Corner restaurant on Eastern Avenue was an instant hit. Crab Corner moved to its current expanded location on Rainbow Blvd in 2013. It offers the same great food, with a full bar and outdoor patio seating. While Mark has moved onto other ventures, John continues to operate both the wholesale business and restaurant. They remain family businesses with his wife Kelly (who is also from Maryland and met John at Crab Corner) and their two daughters, Sloane and Scarlett.

A passion for quality and flavors I add a unique touch to everything I do in the kitchen. My cooking starts with family recipes and ends with bold flavor. I grew up learning the importance of quality ingredients, patience, and feeding people with love. Today, I bring those same values into every dish I serve—honest food, big flavor, and no shortcuts. Whether it’s a small gathering or a large event, my goal is always the same: food that feels personal and tastes unforgettable!

Chef Alex Reznik is a celebrated chef, television personality, and hospitality executive with over two decades of experience shaping the modern American dining scene. Known for his bold flavors, creative instincts, and leadership across multiple restaurant concepts, Reznik first captured national attention on Bravo’s Top Chef and Food Network’s Beat Bobby Flay — showcasing the skill, confidence, and charisma that define his career.

A native New Yorker with a passion for playful yet flavor-forward cooking, Reznik built his reputation through acclaimed kitchens in Las Vegas, including the highly touted Lutece, as well as in Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, New York, and Boca Raton before turning his focus to concept development and multi-unit operations. Together with his family, Reznik returned to Las Vegas in 2020, where he currently resides with his wife and three children.

His newest projects, under the umbrella of Las Vegas-based Ogden Hospitality Group — SMKD BBQ (Smoked Meats Killer Drinks) and Hayworth — represent the next evolution of his vision to create accessible, chef-driven brands that celebrate community and craft. From high-impact barbecue and craft cocktails to elevated American comfort, Reznik’s approach blends authenticity with innovation, designed to connect with guests on every level.

Beyond the kitchen, Alex Reznik is widely respected for mentoring emerging chefs, developing strong teams, and building hospitality brands that balance creativity with operational excellence. His work continues to push boundaries while staying true to one simple philosophy: make it delicious, make it memorable, and make it soulful!