What would eventually become The Dinex Group began to take shape when Daniel Boulud left his position as Executive Chef at New York’s famed Le Cirque in 1992. The following year, with the help of Lili Lynton, a trusted friend and savvy investment professional, and the financial backing of Joel Smilow, former Chairman of Playtex Products, the chef went on to open Restaurant DANIEL. Soon thereafter the restaurant would attract significant media acclaim and a highly coveted four star rating in The New York Times and three stars in the New York City Michelin Guide. Today, The Dinex Group operates 16 restaurants, including seven in New York City and an additional seven in national and international destinations.