rob@bokagrp.com

Rob Katz, one of America's most respected and celebrated restaurateurs, is the co-founder of Boka Restaurant Group, which operates Boka, Landmark, Perennial, Girl & the Goat, Boka Catering Group and the soon to be opened GT Fish & Oyster. In Katz's 20 year career he has owned and operated 9 successful establishments, beginning with pioneering music venues in Lincoln Park.

A native of Vancouver, B.C., Katz moved to Chicago in 1987 to work at the Chicago Board Options Exchange, and eventually trade in one of the world's busiest trading pits. Applying the lessons learned from the Exchange, Rob entered the bar and live music business. After successfully operating Otis' Bar in Lincoln Park, Rob ventured on his own to create the extremely popular Waterloo Tavern on Lincoln Avenue in 1993. Rob continued to take the Lincoln Park music scene to new levels with Elbo Room (1994) and Katacomb (1998), both pillars of the Chicago live music and nightclub scene.

After getting married and starting a family, Katz focused his energy on opening his first restaurant. Mutual friends introduced him to Kevin Boehm in 2003 and quickly the BO (Boehm) and KA (Katz) partnership created BOKA restaurant. The company would grow rapidly after Boka's success as the Group opened Landmark (2005), Perennial (2008), the wildly successful Girl & the Goat (2010) and GT Fish & Oyster in rapid fire succession. The company is now over 500 employees and growing, has established a new catering company, and looks to open two new properties in the next 18 months. His restaurants have received countless accolades for both their cuisine and dedication to providing unparalleled service.

Rob lives in Roscoe Village with his wife Kathleen and their two children, Jamieson and Shelby, who provide a constant source of entertainment and inspiration.