Kevin Brown

CEO of Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants

Kevin Brown brings over 50 years of experience and leadership to his role as CEO of Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants, one of the most esteemed multi-concept restaurant companies with more than 100 restaurants and 60+ concepts nationwide.

As CEO, Kevin collaborates with Chairman and Founder Richard Melman, President R.J. Melman, and other key executives to drive innovation, develop new concepts, and strategically expand existing ones. Kevin, along with his more than 70 partners, are also instrumental in sharing and teaching Lettuce’s signature philosophies and culture of caring.

A Pittsburgh native and Michigan State University graduate, Kevin was the first candidate interviewed by Rich Melman on a college campus in 1977. He accepted the position the same day. Kevin began his career at Lettuce’s first restaurant, R.J. Grunts. He then managed The Pump Room and Un Grand Café amongst others, earning his first partnership in 1981. He later built some of Lettuce's most renowned restaurant concepts, including Shaw’s Crab House, Wow Bao, and Big Bowl. He became President in 2000, and has been CEO since 2003.

Kevin is also co-head of Lettuce Consulting using his experience to provide hospitality services and expertise to restaurant companies, developers, and investors nationwide.

Kevin is also dedicated to his community, serving as a Trustee of the University of Chicago Medical Center since 2003. He is also a Member of the Economic Club of Chicago, Commercial Club of Chicago, Illinois Restaurant Association, and the Advisory Board of Michigan State University.