The Refinery Restaurant Set To Open With a Slate of Rising Hospitality Stars

CHICAGO, June 3, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- As The Refinery prepares to open in the Old Town neighborhood of Chicago in late June 2013, a well-known and talented group of key personnel are putting the final pieces together.

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Executive Chef, Lawrence Letrero, with the assistance of Pastry Chef, Hetty Arts, has crafted a tempting modern American menu in keeping with The Refinery's concept of elevating the familiar through skillful introduction of subtleties and distinctions. Chef Letrero attended Kendall College 's Culinary Arts program after having earned his B.A. from Wayne State University . More recently, Chef Letrero was the opening Sous Chef at River North's Untitled restaurant where he helped develop a 1920's inspired menu with a modern twist, garnering a Bib Gourmand from the Michelin Guide Chicago. Also an industry veteran, Hetty Arts enjoyed her past experience on pastry teams at the critically acclaimed Eleven Madison Park in New York City and the Four Seasons Hotel Chicago.

Driving The Refinery's extensive craft beverage program is the dynamic team of Enoch Cruz and Cody Modeer. Enoch enjoys over 15 years of hospitality experience and most recently developed and ran the highly successful beverage program at Chicago 's W hotel. In addition to applying his expertise at The Refinery, Cody continues as bar manager and partner of Ward Eight in Evanston and was recently named to Zagat's "30 Under 30 List" of Chicagoans in the restaurant and hospitality industry as the result of his exceptional skills behind the bar.

General Manager, Joshua Schatan, will head operations at The Refinery. A San Francisco native, Josh brings a diverse food and beverage background and impressive resume to The Refinery's management team. Josh's extensive experience in high volume operations and passion for fine dining generously contribute to The Refinery's commitment to deliver exceptional service.

Owners, Bob Ellis and Tom Ellis, of Entree Group, Ltd., consider themselves very fortunate to be working with some of the finest hospitality professionals Chicago has to offer. "It is ironic that each of these individuals will tell you they are not anyone special when, in fact, they are exceptional," said Bob Ellis, himself having more than 15 years of operational experience in the hospitality industry.

The Refinery seeks to deliver a genuine experience in hospitality. With a warm, hip, and comfortable soul it is a reflection of its Old Town neighborhood. It is a place where refinements to the ordinary and familiar yield an atmosphere of relaxed sophistication, and where culinary art is approachable. The Refinery presents a unique offering of fresh foods and handcrafted beverages designed to affordably remain on the cutting edge of the ever-evolving American palate.

For more information contact:

Tom Ellis
[email protected] 
Tel: (773) 696-1460

SOURCE The Refinery