Why Now?
Kinzie Chophouse opened its doors in 1991. For nearly three decades, it built a reputation as a classic Chicago steakhouse in River North, led by its original female owner and supported by a loyal base of regulars.
When Nicole Flevaris and Andreas Tsakonas took ownership in 2019, they stepped into that legacy with care. The goal was never to erase what came before. It was to build on it.
As Kinzie approached its 35th year, it felt like the right moment to pause and ask a simple question. Does the way we look reflect both where we started and where we are headed?
The answer led to a thoughtful rebrand.
Honoring a Chicago Steakhouse Legacy
Kinzie’s foundation is Chicago. Prime steaks. A strong wine program. A sense of familiarity that keeps guests returning year after year. That history matters. It shaped the restaurant long before Nicole and Andreas arrived.
The rebrand was not about changing that identity. It was about honoring it more intentionally. Bringing clarity to the independence, the woman-owned roots, and the decades of consistency that built trust with guests.
Thirty-five years in, that legacy deserves to feel visible.
From 1991 to 2026: The Next Chapter
Since 2019, Kinzie has evolved – the space has been refreshed, the menu has expanded, Mediterranean warmth has become more woven into the experience. That influence came naturally through Nicole and Andreas and shows up in subtle ways (hospitality, ingredients, the rhythm of service). The brand needed to reflect that evolution without losing its history.
Refining the Visual Identity
We partnered with Chariot Studios to guide the visual evolution.
Who were we? Who are we now? What does Kinzie mean to the staff and patrons who have been coming here for 35 years?
From there, the focus was refinement. Strong typography. A confident color palette. A look that feels rooted but current. Something that honors tradition without feeling stuck to it.
A New Digital Home
With the identity clarified, Ad Maiora Visuals brought the new website to life.
The goal was elegance and usability – a digital space that feels aligned with the in-person experience. Guests can now seamlessly explore menus, private dining spaces, and get in touch, while also reading more of the stories behind the restaurant.
Capturing the Kinzie Spirit
Photographer Kim Kovacik worked with the Kinzie team to capture a library of imagery that reflects the spirit of the Kinzie Chophouse of today. The focus was real moments – the bar in motion, the dining room mid-service. Team members who have been here for decades alongside those who joined more recently.
The goal was to show what guests feel when they walk in. Warmth. Energy. Familiar faces. The quiet confidence that comes from 35 years of experience.
These images now live across the website and brand materials, grounding the refreshed identity in the people who make Kinzie what it is.
