Steve Aoki’s brother, Kevin Aoki Biography: Age, Restaurants, Net Worth, Parents, Height, Business, Family

Kevin Aoki is a prominent American restaurateur recognized for continuing the culinary legacy of his father, Rocky Aoki, the founder of the iconic Benihana restaurant chain.

As the eldest son of Rocky Aoki and Chizuru Kobayashi, Kevin has built a distinguished career in the hospitality industry, owning and operating the Aoki Group, which includes establishments like Doraku Sushi, Aoki Teppanyaki, and Qing Mu Noodle.

His collaborations with his brother, DJ Steve Aoki, on ventures like Kuru Kuru Pa and Bluetree Café have further elevated his profile, blending family heritage with innovative dining concepts that appeal to modern audiences.

Profile

• Full Name: Kevin Aoki
• Stage Name: Kevin Aoki
• Born: 27, November 1967
• Age: 57 years old
• Birthplace: Miami, Florida, USA
• Nationality: American
• Occupation: Restaurateur
• Height: Unknown
• Parents: Hiroaki “Rocky” Aoki, Chizuru Kobayashi
• Siblings: Kana Grace Nootenboom, Steve Aoki, Kyle N. Aoki, Echo V. Aoki, Devon Aoki, Jenifer Crumb
• Spouse: None
• Relationship: Not married
• Net Worth: Unknown

Early Life and Education

Kevin Aoki was born on November 27, 1967, in Miami, Florida, to Hiroaki “Rocky” Aoki, a Japanese-born American wrestler and restaurateur, and Chizuru Kobayashi. Raised in New York and California alongside his biological siblings, Kana Grace Nootenboom and Steve Aoki, Kevin also has four half-siblings—Kyle, Echo, Devon, and Jenifer—from his father’s other relationships.

He graduated from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, with a degree in hotel administration, which equipped him with the skills to pursue a career in the hospitality industry. Kevin is of Japanese descent through his father and mother, and his religion is not publicly disclosed.

Career

Kevin Aoki began his career in the family business, working under his father, Rocky Aoki, at Benihana, the renowned Japanese teppanyaki restaurant chain. Inspired by his father’s entrepreneurial spirit and showmanship, Kevin managed various Benihana locations across the United States, gaining hands-on experience in restaurant operations.

His early roles included overseeing siblings who worked as bartenders or hosts, honing his leadership skills. In 1999, Kevin ventured out to establish his own mark, partnering with his father to open the first Doraku Sushi location in Florida, aiming to create a modern, youth-oriented sushi bar that reflected his vision of a vibrant dining experience.

The success of Doraku Sushi led Kevin to found the Aoki Group, which now encompasses a portfolio of dining establishments, including 1938 Indochine, Aoki Teppanyaki, and Qing Mu Noodle, each emphasizing quality ingredients and innovative Japanese cuisine.

His collaboration with his brother Steve Aoki has been particularly notable, with the duo launching Bluetree Café in Honolulu, focusing on healthy offerings like juices and acai bowls, and Kuru Kuru Pa, a yakitori restaurant at Resorts World Las Vegas, which integrates anime-inspired aesthetics to attract a younger demographic.

These ventures reflect Kevin’s ability to blend traditional Japanese culinary principles with contemporary trends, continuing his father’s legacy of revolutionizing dining experiences.

Kevin’s leadership in the Aoki Group has solidified his reputation as a skilled restaurateur, with a focus on operational excellence and customer engagement. His restaurants, such as Aoki Teppanyaki in Waikiki and Miami, incorporate cultural elements like Japanese village decor to create immersive dining environments.

Despite a legal dispute in 2005, when his father sued Kevin and three siblings over the management of a family trust, Kevin has maintained strong family ties, particularly with Steve, with whom he shares a passion for entrepreneurship. His work continues to honor his father’s vision while carving out a distinct identity in the competitive hospitality industry.

Steven Hiroyuki Aoki began his career in the late 1990s as a club promoter in Los Angeles, founding Dim Mak Records in 1996, a nod to his childhood idol, Bruce Lee. His early work producing DIY records and hosting underground concerts at UC Santa Barbara laid the groundwork for his rise in electronic dance music (EDM).

Aoki gained prominence with his 2009 track “I’m in the House” featuring will.i.am, followed by his Grammy-nominated debut album Wonderland (2012). His high-energy performances, known for crowd-surfing and cake-throwing, have made him a global EDM icon, with collaborations alongside artists like BTS, Linkin Park, and Fall Out Boy.

Social Media

Kevin Aoki does not have a verified social media account

Personal Life

Kevin Aoki leads a private personal life, with no publicly documented spouse, romantic partners, or children. Despite a publicized family rift in 2005, when Rocky Aoki sued Kevin and three siblings over a trust fund dispute, Kevin has focused on maintaining family unity, as evidenced by his professional partnerships with Steve.

Based in Honolulu, Kevin’s lifestyle revolves around his culinary ventures, and he avoids social media, preferring to let his restaurants speak for his legacy.

Net Worth

Kevin Aoki’s net worth is not publicly documented, as he maintains a low profile regarding his financial status. His income is derived from his ownership of the Aoki Group, which includes successful restaurants like Doraku Sushi, Aoki Teppanyaki, and Kuru Kuru Pa, as well as his involvement in managing Benihana locations.

Steve Aoki, his brother, has an estimated net worth of $75 million, amassed through his prolific music career, Dim Mak Records, and endorsements, supplemented by restaurant ventures like Bluetree Café and Kuru Kuru Pa.