Dan McGowan is President of Big Bowl and oversees L. Woods, Tucci Benucch, Twin City Grill and Magic Pan Crepe Stand for Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises, Inc.
Dan began his career with Lettuce while in college at Loyola University, when he worked as a part-time host and office clerk for former Lettuce restaurant, Ed Debevic's. After graduation, Dan transferred to Tucci Benucch in Chicago when the restaurant opened, and began as the office manager for the lively property on Chicago's North Michigan Avenue.
Realizing his desire for hands-on restaurant management, Dan began Lettuce's management training program and quickly worked his way up the managerial ranks to assume key management positions at Tucci Benucch in Chicago and Minnesota and Twin City Grill in Minnesota. In July, 1993 Dan was promoted to supervisor of the Lettuce Minnesota operations, Tucci Benucch and Twin City Grill, and returned to Chicago in July, 1995 as manager of Tucci Benucch. In November 1995 Dan was promoted to partner.
In 1998 Bones in Lincolnwood closed and Dan was instrumental in converting the space into L. Woods Tap and Pine Lodge. In December 1998 L. Woods officially opened its doors under Dan's jurisdiction. L. Woods is a north woods supperclub in the honored tradition of timeless Midwestern towns.
In March of 2005, LEYE brought back Big Bowl and named Dan as President. Big Bowl was a concept originally created by LEYE in 1992, then was sold to Brinker International in 2001. Dan now oversees eight Big Bowl locations in Chicago, Minnesota and Virginia.
In his 20 years with Lettuce Entertain You, Dan has seen tremendous growth at Lettuce. He particularly enjoys how much the partners and employees seem like a family. He believes that this creates a comfortable working atmosphere where people can grow and excel in their work.
Dan enjoys exercise, listening to and reading about music, and watching football. He is married and has a daughter. |