Kick off your FED experience with a wide-ranging discussion that explores the strategy, creativity, and discipline behind memorable restaurant design. Learn how design priorities have shifted in recent years and how to lay out and develop a space with intention. The presentation will also explore elements of strong restaurant design and where to seek inspiration.

Marc Jacobs, Executive Partner & Divisional President, Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants

Marc Jacobs 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 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 he quickly climbed the ladder to become General Manager. It was there that he first worked alongside Rich Melman, focusing on the redevelopment of the restaurant which ultimately launched Marc’s lifelong career in hospitality.

With 35 years at Lettuce and 20+ years as a Partner, Marc has led the creation, design and re-concepting of more than 30 restaurants nationwide. His experience ranges from grab-and-go and fast-casual concepts including Beatrix Market, Foodease and Foodlife - “Chicago’s original food hall” - to the iconic Fulton Market private event space, The Dalcy, and full-service concepts like Antico Posto, a bustling 25-year-old Italian restaurant and wine bar in the Chicago suburbs and L.Woods Tap & Pine Lodge, known for its nostalgic Northwoods Supper Club menu and design.

Marc’s impact is made daily through his dedication to food and drink, menu development and team building. More recently, his focus has been on continuing to grow notable Lettuce concepts including Aba (Chicago; Austin, Texas; Nashville, Tennessee) and Ēma (Chicago; Glenview, Illinois; Austin, Texas) the Mediterranean and California-inspired sister restaurants and Beatrix, a neighborhood restaurant and coffeehouse with five Chicagoland locations and a Beatrix Market at the Charlotte Douglas International Airport. Outside of operations, Marc is driven by his passion for restaurant design with an emphasis on FOH and BOH floor plans, materiality and furniture, lighting and decor selections.