Chef Grant Achatz and Jason Weingarten

CHICAGO, Illinois, October 15, 2024 – The Alinea Group, the world-renowned restaurant group helmed by visionary chef Grant Achatz, is poised for an exciting new chapter with the announcement of a majority investment by a group led by tech entrepreneur, Jason Weingarten. This strategic partnership marks a new era of growth, commitment to culinary excellence and innovation for the award-winning brand. This includes celebrated establishments such as Alinea, Next, The Aviary, Roister, The Office, and St. Clair Supper Club.

Jason Weingarten, who will assume the role of CEO, will focus on building upon the foundation that Chef Achatz and his team have meticulously crafted over the past two decades. “Working with Chef Achatz and The Alinea Group is an honor. 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,” Weingarten said.

Chef Achatz, known for his innovative approach to dining, shared his thoughts on the partnership: “Bringing Jason on board offers a fresh perspective and energy, which is key as we move forward. 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.”

Maintaining Excellence, Exploring New Horizons

The partnership with Weingarten will amplify the group’s ability to explore uncharted territories in hospitality, events, and lifestyle experiences. "We’re excited to build a future where dining intersects with art, technology, and luxury lifestyle, creating unparalleled patron experiences," Weingarten said.

Achatz adds, "The word 'Alinea' represents the beginning of a new train of thought, and this moment signifies another step in our vision.”

The Alinea Group is built around world-class talent and a culture of innovation. With a team driven by a shared passion for creativity and collaboration, the company remains a destination for those looking to work at the cutting edge of the food and hospitality industry. "We've always believed in fostering a culture that encourages experimentation and rewards curiosity," Achatz said. "Jason’s leadership will help us nurture that environment and make it stronger, ensuring that we continue to be a place where the best and brightest want to work."

As the group considers selective growth opportunities, the primary focus remains on delivering unparalleled dining experiences. “This isn’t about radical change,” Weingarten added. “It’s about building on what makes The Alinea Group extraordinary and finding ways to bring that same level of excellence and magic to new markets.” While expansion is being considered thoughtfully, the heart of The Alinea Group remains rooted in delivering world-class dining experiences in Chicago. "The next chapter for Alinea is not just about what's new, but about how we can enhance what we’ve already built."

About The Alinea Group

Founded in 2005, The Alinea Group is a trailblazer in modernist cuisine and hospitality, with six celebrated venues in Chicago, including the three Michelin-starred Alinea. The Group’s portfolio also includes the shapeshifting Next, award-winning cocktail bars The Aviary and the Office, fire-focused Roister, and a nod to Achatz’s parents, St. Clair Supper Club.

About Grant Achatz

Chef Grant Achatz is one of the world’s most celebrated and influential chefs, renowned for pushing the boundaries of modernist cuisine. Named Best Chef in the United States by the James Beard Foundation and honored by Time Magazine as one of the 100 Most Influential People in the World, his culinary journey is nothing short of extraordinary. Co-founder of the iconic Alinea, Grant has redefined fine dining, earning 14 consecutive years of 3 Michelin stars.

His story of overcoming Stage IV tongue cancer, as told in his bestselling memoir Life, On the Line and Netflix’s Chef’s Table, is a testament to his relentless pursuit of innovation and resilience. Beyond Alinea, Grant has expanded his influence with award-winning ventures like Next, The Aviary, and Roister.

About Jason Weingarten

Jason Weingarten joined The Alinea Group in 2024 as CEO. The native-Chicagoan and serial entrepreneur has loved food and dining since childhood.

As a career tech founder and CEO, Jason has been part of teams successfully bringing new concepts to life including eCampusRecruiter, Yello, and most recently his first restaurant, Oliver’s.

Media Contacts:

press@thealineagroup.com
partner@thealineagroup.com