The Chicago-based Alinea Group on Tuesday has a new CEO who is a new co-owner.
The group of fine-dining restaurants and bars created by acclaimed chef Grant Achatz sold a majority stake to investors led by tech entrepreneur Jason Weingarten, who is now CEO. The investor group acquired the stake previously held by Nick Kokonas, who first opened the flagship Alinea with Achatz two decades ago. The Alinea Group is also known for the concepts Next, The Aviary, Roister, The Office and St. Clair Supper Club.
Details of the sale were not disclosed, and Kokonas said on the social media platform X that he retained a passive minority stake in the restaurant Alinea.
Weingarten is co-founder of the software company Yello and a meal-kit brand called Entrée. His LinkedIn page also indicates that he co-founded the hospitality design company Secret Menu Hospitality, and he is an angel investor and partner in Subconscious Ventures.
In a statement, he pledged to build on the foundation that Achatz has meticulously crafted over two decades.
“Working with Chef Achatz and The Alinea Group is an honor,” he said. “Together, we’ll continue to create the extraordinary dining experiences the world has come to expect from Alinea while exploring carefully chosen opportunities for the brand to evolve.”
Achatz said the move will bring fresh perspective and energy.
“We’re not looking to expand for the sake of expansion, but rather to ensure that any growth aligns with the values that have always defined The Alinea Group creativity, innovation, and providing magical dining experiences,” Achatz said.
The strategic partnership opens a door to “uncharted territories” in hospitality, events and lifestyle experiences, the company said.
“We’re excited to build a a future where dining intersects with art, technology and luxury lifestyle, creating unparalleled patron experiences,” Weingarten added.
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