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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 with one of the country’s leading independent restaurant owners/operators 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); and currently, Vong’s Thai Kitchen (VTK), named one of Chicago’s Top 20 New Restaurants,
(Chicago magazine, May 2002).
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 at the corner of Erie and LaSalle. 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 stint 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 Kitchen (VTK) in September 2001, days after the September 11 tragedy. Coupling an exotic dramatic interior with a versatile menu and exceptional service is what distinguishes VTK, which provides a relaxed, yet fun and energetic experience uniquely tailored for business dining and social entertainment.
Since then, VTK has become recognized by critics and diners alike as one of Chicago’s most hip and happening hot spots, where form and function meet to create high fashion and exceptional gourmet fare. | 