The idea was hatched while Jeff and Brian, friends of 20 years, were site hunting for their Why Soup business concept (a fast casual lunch cafe with emphasis on soup). They found a great location at 11628 Santa Monica Boulevard. Although the new location was better suited for a full service restaurant concept, they decided it was too good to pass up.

They were fortunate enough to be joined by James, a talented chef with an impressive roster of former restaurant experience. The three stayed up all night one stormy evening in December 2003, and agreed that they were all most passionate about simple, American comfort food presented artistically.

Knowing the neighborhood quite well, all three saw an unfulfilled need for moderately priced bistro fare served in a friendly, inviting atmosphere. Jeff thought the name, Nook, conveyed both comfort and warranted the location, nimbly tucked away in a corner of the Plaza West complex. While thunder, lightning, and a full gothic choir raged outside, Nook was born.