FSR February 2023

TOP RES TAURANT GROUPS

LETTUCE ENTERTAIN YOU ENTERPRISES A I M I NG F O R E XC E L L E N C E HQ : C H I C A GO • E S T . 19 71

L ettuce Entertain You Enterprises ( leye ) has more than 110 res taurants nationwide, from its very first con cept, R.J. Grunts, which opened in 1971 to an ever-growing roster of multiunit brands like Big Bowl and Beatrix. While the company remains Chicago-cen tric, it is planting flags beyond the midwest with a slew of new open ings including RPM Ital ian in West Palm Beach, Florida. A new location of its California-inspired

with a curated dining experience. Never one to rest on its laurels, LEYE doesn’t want to be the biggest or the richest. "We want to be the best we can be,” Mel man says. “This has been in our training program for more than 50 years. As a privately held company, we pride ourselves on pursuing opportunities we are truly excited and proud of. In addition to great food and design, Let tuce prides itself on the hospitality we provide.”

On its home turf, LEYE is working on

expanding Ramen-san and Sushi-san, while also debuting a new concept in Fulton Market. Additionally, the group will be the offi cial food and beverage partner at the forthcom ing St. Regis Hotel. At 101 stories with views of Lake Michigan, the new property will open in the spring with two LEYE restaurants to boot. Furthermore, it’s col laborating with Tao Group Hospitality on a new, private social club

ing at additional growth opportunities for Aba, per R.J. Melman, presi dent and son of founder and James Beard Award–winning restau rateur Rich Melman.

Summer House is slated to premiere in Disney Springs later this year, and would mark the group’s first foray into resort territory. LEYE is also look

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