Susan Frasca
Owner Operator

The Chicago Tribune’s dining critic, Phil Vettel, named Susan Frasca “1998’s Quickest Empire Builder.” The Frasca Hospitality Group is Chicago’s largest female-owned restaurant conglomerate and an important presence on the Chicagoland restaurant scene.

The Kinzie Chophouse’s comfortable, yet sophisticated atmosphere is the perfect backdrop to a fabulous experience. In 1998, when Susan purchased the restaurant, the scuffed up walls, harsh lighting, sagging floors and dingy exterior were hiding the amazing jewel of a dining spot that it would become. “I wanted a place where people could feel comfortable pulling up a chair and calling it their second home. Whatever it took, it just had to be done. So we brought in our own ‘Trading spaces’ troop,’ laid down a new floor, bought all new tables, chairs, redecorated, brought in a new staff, installed atmospheric lighting and new artwork and completely up scaled the tone of the guest’s dining experience,” says Frasca. The result is a total transformation that has put The Kinzie Chophouse at the top of the restaurant list for both locals and Chicago visitors.

The Frasca Hospitality Group continues to be a leader and sets the standard for fine dining in Chicago.

Jesus Martinez
Executive Chef

Jesus has been an integral part Kinzie Chophouse since its inception, which will be 20 years in 2011. He has been instrumental in the continued development of the wide array of quality cuisine of Kinzie Chophouse. Since Susan Frasca purchased the restaurant in 1998, he's worked closely with her to develop specials, new menus and oversees all of the innerworkings of the Kinzie Chophouse kitchen.
 

Fannie O'Donnell
Director of Private Events

Fannie started with Kinzie Chophouse in early 2008. A Chicago native, she began her career in events and marketing at The Merchandise Mart, handling show production for their consumer shows. From there, she joined the River North Association, where she became more familiar with the hospitality industry and forged many relationships with local businesses and leaders. Fannie is on call to help you book, plan and cater any event down to the last detail, personal or professional.

Ryan Bing
Manager

Ryan is the newest member of our management team. Ryan started working in restaurants in Fort Lauderdale, Florida where he was born and raised. He graduated with a Hospitality and Tourism Management degree from the Pamplin College of Business at Virginia Tech where he was also in the Marching Virginians Marching Band. He and his wife moved to Chicago in 2008 and love the city for its culture, seasons, and fantastic restaurants like Kinzie Chophouse.

Kinzie Chophouse is a special place for Ryan and his wife. They dined with us after he popped the question...she said yes and it was a great night!

Elyse Cowles
Manager

Elyse is a native of Solana Beach, California and a recent graduate of The Theater School of DePaul University. Elyse moved to Chicago five years ago to pursue her interests in the performing arts and truly believes Chicago is the greatest theater (and restaurant!) city in the country. She loves working at Kinzie so she has the pleasure of greeting both new and familiar faces.