Marc Jacobs

Executive Partner & Divisional President

Marc Jacobs is an Executive Partner & Divisional President at Aba, Antico Posto, Beatrix, Beatrix Market, Ema, Rotisserie Ema, L. Woods and The Dalcy.

Marc began his career with Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants in the fall of 1991, as a banquet server and busser at Bones (now L. Woods) in Lincolnwood, Illinois. After being cross-trained as a server, host and line cook, Marc was promoted to a manager of the restaurant upon his graduation from UIC in the summer of 1995.

Two years later, Marc was transferred to R.J. Grunts, Lettuce’s first restaurant, and quickly climbed the ladder to become General Manager. It was there that he first worked alongside Rich Melman on the re-development of the restaurant, which ultimately launched Marc’s lifelong career in restaurants and hospitality.

In Marc’s 32 years with Lettuce, he has been a Partner for 18 years and has led the creation, design and re-concept of more than 20 restaurants nationwide. Today, his portfolio includes Beatrix; a neighborhood restaurant and coffeehouse located in River North, Streeterville, Fulton Market, Oak Brook and the Loop, Beatrix Market; a quick and healthful grab-and-go experience with four locations in Chicago and one in Charlotte Douglas Airport. Aba, a Mediterranean and California-inspired restaurant in Chicago, IL, Austin, TX and Bal Harbour Shops in Miami, FL. The Dalcy; a private event hall in Fulton Market and Ēma; the sister restaurant to Aba, with locations in Chicago and Glenview (opening Summer 2024). 


Marc is centered around his love for food and drink, restaurant design, menu development and team building. Outside of the restaurants, Marc sits on Lettuce’s Executive Board, is a member of the Lettuce Consulting Group and is an Advisory Council member at DePaul’s School of Hospitality Leadership. He enjoys visiting new restaurants, traveling and spending time with his wife Vanessa, their three children, Samantha, Alexandra and Gabriel and their dog, Jake.