30. R.J. Melman on Family, Food, and How Lettuce Entertain You Helped Shape Chicago's Food Scene

We got dibs on one of Chicago's most iconic restaurant empires with RJ Melman, President of Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants.RJ takes us behind the scenes of the family business that helped shape Chicago into one of the world's greatest food cities. From the opening of R.J. Grunts in 1971 to beloved concepts like Wildfire, RPM, Beatrix, Aba, Sushi-san, Joe's, and dozens more, Lettuce Entertain You has spent more than five decades creating restaurants that have become part of Chicago's culture and traditions.In this episode, we discuss:How Richard Melman and Jerry Orzoff built Lettuce Entertain You from a single restaurant into a nationally recognized hospitality groupThe surprising ways new restaurant concepts are created, often beginning with a single dish or culinary ideaHow research trips around the world help inspire new restaurants and menusThe challenges and rewards of working alongside siblings in a multigenerational family businessWhy company culture and employee experience have remained central to Lettuce's successThe origins and evolution of the Lettuce Frequent Diner Club and why it has such a loyal followingHow Lettuce approaches community involvement and philanthropy across Chicago and beyondThe story behind the hidden red shoes found in many Lettuce restaurantsThe debate over Chicago's best chopped salad and RJ's favorite Lettuce dining experiencesWhat makes Chicago one of the greatest restaurant cities in AmericaRJ also shares stories about growing up in the restaurant business, launching his first concepts alongside his siblings, balancing family and leadership, and why Chicago remains the heart of everything Lettuce Entertain You does. Along the way, we discuss loyalty programs, restaurant trends, family traditions, and the impact Lettuce has had on generations of Chicagoans.Lettuce Entertain You Listen now and don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and comment; it helps us continue to bring you the voices behind the institutions, people, and places that make Chicago extraordinary.Connect with the hosts of DIBS on Instagram, Nick Sarantos and Mallory Waxman