RJ & Jerrod Melman on The Pat McGann Show: Chicago Restaurants, Family – Tiege Hanley

In Episode 15 of The Pat McGann Show, Pat sits down with longtime friends R.J. and Jerrod Melman, the leadership duo behind Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants. The conversation explores growing up in Chicago’s restaurant scene, running one of the country’s most respected hospitality groups, and navigating legacy, culture, and expansion in a family business.

From Chicago restaurant history to modern hospitality strategy, the episode blends personal stories with real business insight.

Who Are RJ & Jerrod Melman?

R.J. Melman is the CEO of Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants, a Chicago-based hospitality group founded by his father, Rich Melman. Under R.J.’s leadership, the company has expanded nationally while maintaining its guest-first philosophy and distinct restaurant concepts.

Jerrod Melman is an Executive Partner at Lettuce Entertain You. After gaining experience outside the family business, he returned to oversee operations, concept development, and team growth across the organization.

Together, the Melman brothers represent the next generation of leadership behind one of America’s most influential restaurant groups.

What Is Lettuce Entertain You?

Founded in Chicago in 1971, Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants operates more than 100 restaurants across multiple cities and concepts. The group is known for experience-driven dining and unique concepts like RPM Italian, RPM Steak, Sushi-San, Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba, Bub City, Beatrix, Hub 51, and more.

The philosophy is simple: dining should be entertaining, memorable, and delicious, not just another meal. That approach helped shape Chicago’s modern dining scene and continues to guide the company’s growth today.

What They Discussed on the Podcast

In this episode, Pat, R.J., and Jerrod talk about:

Growing up around restaurants in Chicago
Stepping into leadership roles in a family-run business
Behind the scenes of building and operating restaurant concepts
Balancing expansion with company culture
Career stories, friendships, and shared history

It’s a conversation that resonates with entrepreneurs, hospitality professionals, and anyone curious about what it really takes to build and sustain a restaurant brand.