Innovative Dining Group Announces Dan Carr As New General Manager Of Katana Chicago In River North

Innovative Dining Group (IDG), known for its distinct collection of iconic lifestyle-driven culinary concepts, announced today the appointment of Dan Carr as General Manager of Katana restaurant in Chicago. Carr joins a high-energy and experienced culinary and front-of-house team, as the restaurant gears up to announce a new executive lunch and Happy Hour menu next month.

Before his appointment as General Manager at Katana, Carr served as General Manager of Sushi Roku, a sister concept under the Innovative Dining Group portfolio, at W Scottsdale for two years where he was at the forefront and oversaw all food and beverage operations. Having started his career as a server within the concept and working his way up to General Manager over the years, Carr has the unique perspective of understanding the business from virtually every aspect which makes him the ideal addition to the Chicago team.

“We are grateful for all the contributions put forth by Jason Chan during the opening phase of the restaurant, and believe that Carr will carry that momentum and build up from the foundation that was laid by his predecessor,” says Lee Maen, partner, Innovative Dining Group. “With over six years working within the IDG portfolio and understanding our brand, Carr will play an important role in our continued success as we enter the next chapter and seek to reconnect with and introduce new guests to the restaurant. With his infectious, gregarious personality and his innate desire to offer superior service, he brings a wealth of knowledge and excitement to Katana Chicago.”

Serving imaginative Japanese cuisine in a stylish 13,000 square-foot space, Katana fuses modern sushi and authentic “robatayaki” made with premium, artfully prepared ingredients. Similar to the local fisherman in the ancient seaside village of Wakayama, the robata skewers at Katana are grilled over bincho charcoals, infusing the meats, seafood, and vegetables with rich smokiness. In addition, the fish is freshly caught and prepared in an array of signature rolls, sashimi and nigiri. The River North establishment also serves a variety of hot dishes as well as an extensive collection of sake and specialty cocktails. 

“Working for IDG over the years has truly been an honor as not only a place where I have learned the business, but a place where I call home,” says Carr. “I am honored to join the talented Katana Chicago team and am confident that my experience and innate passion for providing top-notch service will not only enhance the current dining experience, but establish Katana as a trusted and go-to establishment in the competitive and ever-evolving Chicago dining scene.”

For more information on Katana, visit http://www.innovativedining.com/restaurants/katana.

About Innovative Dining Group
For 21 years, Innovative Dining Group (IDG) transformed traditional dining concepts to create contemporary, awe-inspiring restaurants. Our mission is to craft elevated dining experiences anchored in innovative cuisine, impeccable style, seductive ambiance and first-class service. It’s the attention to detail that attracts guests—including A-listers and tastemakers—from around the world. Our legendary restaurants are in premier destinations, including Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Newport Beach, Scottsdale and Chicago.

Internationally, the IDG vision comes to life in four licensed concepts in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Our sought-after steakhouses and Asian restaurants feature stylish dining rooms and sleek cocktail lounges as well as patios overlooking unforgettable sights, including the Pacific Ocean, the Sunset Strip and the Las Vegas Strip. At each location, IDG’s celebrated culinary talent and ambiance mesmerize guests and critics alike. Our chefs craft mouthwatering dishes that highlight the ingredients’ quality, freshness and beauty. Each dish is artistically prepared and complemented by a distinctively vibrant, striking atmosphere. With passion, dedication and vision, IDG creates dining experiences that truly delight all five senses. For more information, visit http://www.innovativedining.com/.