Partners
Geoff Alexander has been wining and dining Chicago's discerning palate the Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises Inc. ® (LEYE) way since May 1993 - a career he began merely nine days after his college graduation.
Since then Alexander has worked with some of the most notable concept's in LEYE's ever-burgeoning local, national and international portfolio, including Mity Nice Grill; Shaw's Crab House; Big Bowl (eight locations locally and nationally); Vong's Thai KitchenTM(VTK) named one of "Chicago's Top 20 New Restaurants," (Chicago magazine, May 2002), Frankie's Scaloppine at the 900 Shops on North Michigan Avenue and now Wow Bao.
Alexander's career exploded when he joined the Big Bowl team in 1995, at which time he quickly evolved as the first General Manager for the division's first location, situated in the heart of Chicago's River North.. Under his supervision, which included everything from staff screening, hiring and training to purchasing, menu development, promotion and advertising, the restaurant's sales swiftly grew and catapulted this concept into one of the company's prized jewels.
Throughout the following six years, Alexander's role with Big Bowl, which was subsequently bought by Brinker International, included the opening and managerial operations for seven additional locations, both locally and nationally. Alexander's expertise was utilized in a multitude of areas, from site planning, construction and build-out to staff supervision for teams of to 70 people for locations offering seating for up to 225 people.
In May 2001 Alexander left Big Bowl to serve as General Manager for Vong, a high-profile up-scale Thai/French establishment co-developed by LEYE and one of the country's most celebrated chefs, Jean-Georges Vongerichten, whose original Vong was born in New York City. While Vong/Chicago wowed the critics across both coasts, the restaurant proved too exclusive for Chicago's informal Midwestern roots. At this time, the restaurant closed for refashioning, which was handled by a team comprised of Alexander; Kevin Brown, President, LEYE; and Chef Vongerichten.
A complete makeover ensued, which included everything from cosmetic remodeling to menu re-development and staff training. The restaurant re-opened as Vong's Thai KitchenTM (VTK) in September 2001.
From there Alexander went on to tackle a new challenge, re-concepting Tucci Bennuch a much-loved but tired Italian concept in the 900 North Michigan Avenue building. In November 2007, Frankie's Pizza and Scaloppine was born, as Alexander worked tirelessly on the construction, menu, planning and all other facets of the restaurant. Frankie's is now a Michigan Avenue favorite, frequented by locals and tourists alike, with the occasional celebrity sighting.
Not content to relax on the success of his former concepts, Alexander has just taken the position of Vice President of Wow Bao in January 2009. Wow Bao , which features Steamed Bao (meat or vegatable filled "hot asian buns) a favorite portable snack throughout Asia, has quickly become a favorite with Chicagoans. In this new role, Alexander will focus on expanding the concept to other ares of Chicago and beyond, putting it on par with other quick-serve, fresh dining experiences.