Sign In

Nick Kokonas

Owner at Alinea Restaurant / Next / The Aviary

Nick Kokonas is a prominent figure in the restaurant industry and technology sector. He co-founded and co-owned The Alinea Group, which includes several acclaimed restaurants in Chicago.12 Kokonas was a co-owner of Roister, a casual dining establishment that was part of The Alinea Group, from its opening in April 2016 until recently.23

Key aspects of Nick Kokonas' career include:

  1. Restaurant ownership: Co-founder of Alinea, Next, The Aviary, and Roister, with Alinea being named the best restaurant in North America three times.2

  2. Technology entrepreneurship: Founder and CEO of Tock, a reservation and CRM system for restaurants, from December 2014 to November 2022.2

  3. Publishing: Co-authored two books, including "Alinea" and "Life, On The Line".2

  4. Financial background: Previously worked in proprietary trading and options market making from 1992 to 2002.2

Recently, in October 2024, Kokonas sold his ownership stake in The Alinea Group to a consortium led by Jason Weingarten, transitioning to a role as a passive investor.1 This move marked the end of his two-decade tenure with the restaurant group, allowing him to focus on other projects outside the restaurant industry.1

Highlights

Apr 30 · twitter

Well, as it turns out we do know that LIV has failed. This thread is more about the why now than the maybe.

Is there any value to the carcass? A bit, to the usual types and suspects. But not much. I’d sell your range goats gear now.

Apr 17 · twitter

This OpenTable article is very funny... it took six years for them to adopt the "experience" language, deposits, and prepayments. Now they are literally buying back key customers who are shortsighted.

And by 'people' she means me:

https://t.co/F5xIWOYYp2

Still a lousy system https://t.co/P6QhlDpdaW

This OpenTable article is very funny... it took six years for them to adopt the "experience" languag
Nov 15 · chicago.eater.com
Fire is Alinea's first new restaurant in eight years - Eater Chicago
Nick Kokonas, Alinea co-founder leaves three-starred
Nick Kokonas, Alinea co-founder leaves three-starred
After Two Decades, Alinea Co-Founder Nick Kokonas Exits
Oct 24 · CNN
Opinion: Restaurants should end tipping for good - CNN
Opinion: Restaurants should end tipping for good - CNN
5 months later, Alinea co-owner puts a price on his Old Town house - Crain's Chicago Business
Mar 23 · realvision.com
Nick Kokonas: Derivatives Trader Turned Fine Dining Visionary
Mar 17 · hatgotyouthere.com
#119 Nick Kokonas- Maximizing Your Upside - Co-Owner: Alinea ...
Mar 9 · en.wikipedia.org
Nick Kokonas - Wikipedia
Nick Kokonas - Wikipedia

Related Questions

What inspired Nick Kokonas to start Tock?
How did Nick Kokonas' background in trading influence his approach to the restaurant industry?
What are some of the controversies Nick Kokonas has faced in his career?
How did Nick Kokonas and Grant Achatz's partnership evolve over the years?
What are the key strategies Nick Kokonas used to make Alinea one of the best restaurants in North America?
Nick Kokonas
Nick Kokonas, photo 1
Nick Kokonas, photo 2
Add to my network

Location

Chicago, Illinois