Rich Melman

Rich Melman[edit | edit source]

Rich Melman is a renowned American restaurateur and the co-founder of Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises (LEYE), a Chicago-based corporation that owns over 130 restaurants nationwide. Melman's innovative approach to dining has made him a significant figure in the restaurant industry.

Early Life and Career[edit | edit source]

Melman was born in 1941 in Chicago, Illinois. He started his career in the restaurant industry at an early age, working in his father's delicatessen. He later attended University of Illinois, but left before graduating to pursue his passion for food service.

Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises[edit | edit source]

In 1971, Melman co-founded Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises with Jerry A. Orzoff. The company's first restaurant, R.J. Grunts, located in Lincoln Park, Chicago, quickly gained popularity due to its unique menu and casual dining atmosphere.

Over the years, LEYE has expanded to include a diverse range of dining establishments, from fine dining to fast food, across the United States. Some of the well-known restaurants under the LEYE umbrella include Maggiano's Little Italy, Wildfire, and Big Bowl.

Awards and Recognition[edit | edit source]

Melman's contributions to the restaurant industry have been widely recognized. He has received numerous awards, including the James Beard Foundation's Lifetime Achievement Award in 2015. In 1981, he was named Restaurateur of the Year by the International Foodservice Manufacturers Association.

Personal Life[edit | edit source]

Melman is married to Martha Melman, and they have three children, R.J. Melman, Jerrod Melman, and Molly Melman, who are all involved in the family business.

References[edit | edit source]

External Links[edit | edit source]

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