Jean-Georges Has Appetite for Empire

Jean-Georges Vongerichten has been busy indeed outside the kitchen—too busy, in the minds of some. In the next 5 years, the restaurateur plans to open between 30 and 50 new establishments in Starwood Hotels worldwide. The dramatic move, brokered by a private-equity firm, will make consistency a challenge and could lessen his cachet before long, Portfolio reports.

The celebrity chef's restaurants aren't being imported wholesale: The communal dining of New York's Spice Market, for example, didn't charm Atlantans. Despite the risks of losing control over far-flung tables, Vongerichten sees beyond the 18 respected restaurants under his belt—and even has ambitions to run a hotel. "I know this can't be it," he said. "I have too many ideas, too many dreams." (Read more restaurant stories.)