Lettuce Entertain You - Your Guide To Delicious Fun
Planning a meal out, or maybe just a casual bite? Perhaps you are thinking about finding a place for a special gathering, or even looking for a rewarding job. Well, as a matter of fact, there is a large group of restaurants that has been serving up good times and great food for many years. This group is known for its wide selection of eating places, offering everything from quick, relaxed spots to places where you might enjoy a truly fine dining experience.
You see, this collection of dining establishments, called Lettuce Entertain You, actually has a little something for nearly everyone, no matter what kind of food you are in the mood for. They have many different kinds of cooking styles available, so you can pretty much always find a place that fits what you are craving. It's really about making sure you have a pleasant time, whether it is a quick lunch or a big celebration with friends and family.
So, too it's almost time for summer, or at least it is getting very close, and with that comes a chance to check out all the fun things happening at these places this month. They are always putting together special events and activities for their guests. You can, for example, find out what is on the agenda for June, packed with all sorts of things to do that might just pique your interest. It is a good way to see what is new and exciting.
Table of Contents
- Who Are the People Behind Lettuce Entertain You?
- What Makes Lettuce Entertain You Special?
- How Can You Get More from Lettuce Entertain You?
- Where Can You Experience Lettuce Entertain You?
- Beyond the Plate: Events and Opportunities with Lettuce Entertain You
- A Taste of What's Available at Lettuce Entertain You
- Things to Know About Lettuce Entertain You
Who Are the People Behind Lettuce Entertain You?
You might be wondering about the individuals who started this large collection of dining spots, or perhaps who helps keep it all running smoothly today. Basically, this group of restaurants, Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises, Inc., began as the first restaurant from a pair of friends and Chicago natives. They had a vision for creating a special kind of dining experience, and their work has grown quite a bit over the years.
The Visionaries: Richard Melman and Jerry A.
The story of Lettuce Entertain You starts with two Chicago friends, Richard Melman and Jerry A. These individuals were the ones who founded the group. Their initial restaurant marked the very first step for what has become a rather large privately held restaurant group in the United States. So, in a way, they set the whole thing in motion. Their idea, apparently, was to create something truly distinctive in the area of hospitality, and they have certainly done that, with the group now owning, licensing, or managing over a hundred places to eat.
A Key Figure: Allison Gallese and Her Work
Beyond the founders, there are many people who contribute to the daily operations and direction of Lettuce Entertain You. For example, Allison Gallese is a partner within the Lettuce Entertain You organization. She has a big role, overseeing a few different areas for some of the group's restaurants. Her work includes looking after the marketing efforts, handling private events, and managing catering sales for specific places like Osteria Via Stato, Eiffel Tower Restaurant, and the Lettuce location at Navy Pier. It's a pretty significant set of responsibilities, showing how different parts of the business come together.
Here is a quick look at some details about these individuals:
| Name | Role at Lettuce Entertain You | Key Contributions |
|---|---|---|
| Richard Melman | Co-Founder | Started the first Lettuce Entertain You restaurant; helped build the largest privately held restaurant group in the U.S. |
| Jerry A. | Co-Founder | Co-founded the Lettuce Entertain You enterprises; worked alongside Richard Melman to establish the group. |
| Allison Gallese | Partner | Oversees marketing, private events, and catering sales for specific Lettuce Entertain You restaurants (e.g., Osteria Via Stato, Eiffel Tower Restaurant, Lettuce at Navy Pier). |
What Makes Lettuce Entertain You Special?
You might ask yourself, what is it about these restaurants that makes them stand out? Is that something about their approach to how they run things, or perhaps the variety of food they put out? Well, actually, there are a few things that set them apart, making them a pretty popular choice for many people looking for a place to eat or gather. It is not just about the food, but also about the feeling you get when you are there, and that is very important.
A Culture of Care and Community
One of the most important things about Lettuce Entertain You restaurants is their stated culture of caring. This idea is, in a way, at the very heart of everything they do. They believe in it so much that it inspires them to make sure their places are safe spaces for everyone. This culture is made even stronger by their work in diversity, equity, and inclusion. They are, you know, committed to creating an environment where everyone feels welcome and respected, which is a pretty big deal for any business that serves the public. This focus on caring seems to guide their actions and how they treat both their guests and their team members, which is good to hear.
From Casual Bites to Fine Dining - Your Lettuce Entertain You Options
When you look at the different kinds of places Lettuce Entertain You has, you see a really wide selection. They offer everything from what you might call "fast casual" spots, where you can get good food quickly and easily, all the way to "fine dining" establishments, where the experience is a bit more formal and special. And, honestly, they have everything in between those two extremes too. This means that, pretty much, whatever your mood or occasion, you can find a Lettuce Entertain You place that fits. Whether you want a relaxed meal with friends or a fancy dinner for a celebration, they have options. This variety, as a matter of fact, is one of their key strengths, giving people lots of choices.
How Can You Get More from Lettuce Entertain You?
So, you enjoy eating at these places, and you might be wondering if there are ways to get a little extra out of your visits. Is that something that lets you earn rewards for what you spend, or perhaps a way to give the experience to someone else? Well, as it turns out, there are a couple of pretty neat programs that can help you do just that, making your dining experiences even more worthwhile. They are designed to give back to those who visit often or who want to share the fun with others.
Rewarding Your Visits - The Frequent Diner Club
If you find yourself going to Lettuce Entertain You restaurants often, you might want to consider joining their Frequent Diner Club. This club is a way for them to say thank you for your repeated business. As a member, you actually earn one point for every dollar you spend when you eat at any of their participating restaurants. Then, when you collect 150 points, you automatically get $10 back in rewards. It is a pretty straightforward system that gives you a bit of a discount on future meals. However, it's worth noting that, as of April 16, 2023, Maggiano's Little Italy no longer takes part in this club. Also, you cannot use your reward dollars on very busy days like New Year's Eve or Valentine's Day. So, you know, keep those dates in mind.
The Gift of a Great Meal - Lettuce Entertain You Gift Cards
Giving someone the chance to enjoy a wonderful meal is a thoughtful present, and Lettuce Entertain You makes this easy with their gift cards. These cards are really convenient because they never run out of time; they do not expire. Plus, they can be used at more than 100 different restaurants within the Lettuce Entertain You family, giving the person receiving the card a lot of choice. They are available in different amounts, like $10, $25, $50, $75, $100, and $250. You can even use these gift cards for payments on private parties and catering events, up to $1,000. Just remember, they cannot be used for deposits, only for the final payment. Also, gift cards are not valid on the same day they are bought, so plan a little ahead if you are giving one.
Where Can You Experience Lettuce Entertain You?
With so many different places under the Lettuce Entertain You umbrella, you might wonder how you can find the one that is just right for you, or perhaps if they are expanding into new areas. Is that something that helps you locate a spot nearby, or maybe hear about their latest opening? Well, they have made it pretty simple to find a restaurant, and they are, as a matter of fact, always looking for new places to bring their unique dining experiences.
Finding Your Perfect Lettuce Entertain You Spot
To find a Lettuce Entertain You restaurant near you, or to pick out a specific kind of place, you can typically use their resources to filter and select restaurants. This means you can look for places that fit your preferences, whether it is by location, type of food, or even the general atmosphere you are looking for. They have many locations nationwide, so you can pretty much redeem their gift cards at any of them. This makes it quite convenient to plan your next meal out, knowing you have a wide range of choices available to you. You can also search, book, and keep track of your reservations using their app, which is a pretty handy tool for planning your visits.
New Adventures: Lettuce Entertain You at Disney Springs
In a pretty exciting development, Lettuce Entertain You is actually making its first appearance at Disney. They are opening a new place called Summer House on the Lake at Disney Springs, which is part of the Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. This marks a new chapter for the group, bringing their style of dining to a very well-known vacation spot. It is, you know, a good example of how they are always growing and finding new places to share their food and hospitality with more people. This particular location sounds like it will be a popular addition for visitors to the area.
Beyond the Plate: Events and Opportunities with Lettuce Entertain You
The Lettuce Entertain You group is about more than just everyday dining. They also offer a number of services for special occasions and, in fact, provide chances for people to join their team. Is that something that helps you plan a big party, or maybe find a job in a restaurant setting? Well, they have options for both, making them a pretty versatile organization for various needs.
Planning Your Gathering: Private Events and Catering
If you are planning a party, a group dinner, or any kind of private event, Lettuce Entertain You offers a helpful service. They have a complimentary service that provides different choices for parties, group dining, catering, and private events at their restaurants all across the country. This means you can get assistance in setting up your special occasion, whether it is a small gathering or a larger function. You might even request to have this service taken off your check if you choose, which is a nice touch. They aim to make the process of organizing your event as smooth as possible, giving you peace of mind.
Joining the Team: Careers with Lettuce Entertain You
For those looking for work in the restaurant business, Lettuce Entertain You has a range of exciting opportunities. They are often looking for people to fill both salaried positions and various team roles. So, whether you are looking for a management job or a position as part of the restaurant staff, they might have something for you. You can explore their careers page to find out more and take the first step towards joining their team. It is a chance to work within a large restaurant group that, as a matter of fact, values a culture of caring and inclusion, which could be a very appealing work environment for many.
A Taste of What's Available at Lettuce Entertain You
With over 100 restaurants, it is pretty clear that Lettuce Entertain You offers a lot of different dining experiences. They have, in fact, places that serve up many kinds of food, from steak houses to seafood spots, Italian eateries, Mexican cuisine, and sushi bars. To give you a better idea, here are just a few examples of the types of restaurants you might find within their collection, each with its own special feel and menu.
Spotlight on Some Lettuce Entertain You Eateries
Antico Posto: A Cozy Italian Spot
Antico Posto is, you know, a pretty cozy Italian restaurant and wine bar. It serves up classic Italian dishes, giving guests a warm and inviting place to enjoy a meal. It sounds like a good spot for a relaxed dinner with a nice glass of wine, offering familiar and comforting flavors.
Big Bowl: Fresh Thai and Chinese Flavors
Big Bowl is a place that specializes in Thai and Chinese food. They really focus on using ingredients that are fresh and of a very good quality. What makes them stand out, actually, is that they make their own curries from scratch. They also roast their own chiles and spices, which are always ground fresh
Lettuce Brand Assets - Lettuce Entertain You
Lettuce Brand Assets - Lettuce Entertain You
Lettuce Entertain You celebrates 25 years in Las Vegas - Las Vegas Magazine
