Kinzie Chophouse
An authentic Chicago neighborhood restaurant, The Kinzie Chophouse is nestled in the River North neighborhood. Steps away from the Merchandise Mart, we are both a local favorite and a repeat destination for visitors to the Chicagoland area. The newly remodeled interior welcomes guests to a warm cozy dining room—complete with oversized mocha leather booths. Vintage black and white Chicago photography, chalkboard announced specials, and jazzy background tunes all blend together for a true Chicago experience.
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.
Tionna Van Gundy
Private Events Sales Manager
Tionna is a native of Columbus, Ohio and attended Bowling Green State University graduating with a Business Degree in Hospitality Management. Tionna comes from a varietal hospitality background, beginning her career in convention and meeting coordination, moved into special events and weddings, worked in the association management field and hotel sector. Truly believing in amazing food and top-notch service, Tionna is here to assist you in planning the perfect private dining or catered event!
Sarah Marotta
Manager
Sarah native of Schenectady, New York comes from a large Italian family where she learned that food, wine and conversation at the dinner table are the most important and cherised moments. She graduated from Johnson and Wales University with a degree in International Hospitality and Travel Tourism Management. She has since traveled throughout the US, Mexico, Europe and the Middle East working in the food and beverage industry. Out of all of the places she has lived, Chicago is by far her favorite and she looks forward to seeing you at Kinzie!
Kira Durkee
Manager
Kira started working in the hospitality industry in Cincinnati, Ohio and has continued in the industry for over 10 years. She graduated from the University of Phoenix with a degree in hospitality managment. Her journey in the industry has lead her through multiple brands of hotels with both rooms experience and onward to food and beverage. Kira is excited to ensure each guest has a relaxing and enjoyable experience here at Kinzie Chophouse!
Kassie Kruchko
Junior Manager
Kassie is a Chicagoland native from Hinsdale, IL. She attended Lynn University in Boca Raton, Florida where she pursued her passion for hospitality. She begain her career in the Windy City in Group Sales and Administration at Preferred Hotel Group. Taking her newly developed skills and passion she then moved to the Clarion Inn Waterford Conference Center as a Sales Coordinator. As the newest member of the Kinzie family, Kassie looks forward to making sure you have an exceptional dining experience at our house, Kinzie Chophouse!
