Maple & Ash Celebrates 10 Years in Chicago

Maple & Ash was founded in Chicago's Gold Coast in 2015 by Jim Lasky and two-Michelin-star chef Danny Grant. The restaurant replaced The Hunt Club, a bar and grill that Lasky had operated for 18 years. The duo's vision was to create a modern, innovative take on the traditional steakhouse. The restaurant's parent company, What If Syndicate, was projected to approach $200 million in revenue in 2022. However, a highly contentious, 10-month-long lawsuit between co-founders Jim Lasky and David Pisor began in March of that year, involving allegations of secret bank accounts and lockouts from corporate offices. The legal battle concluded in January 2023 with a settlement that divided the company's assets. Lasky and Chef Grant retained ownership of the Maple & Ash brand, along with restaurants in Dallas, under the newly formed Maple Hospitality Group. Pisor took control of the Etta brand and other concepts. Despite the executive turmoil, the restaurant group continues its expansion. A second Maple & Ash location opened in Scottsdale, Arizona, in 2019. The group has announced plans for further openings in Miami, Santa Barbara, Boston, and New York City. The Chicago location alone is one of the highest-grossing independent restaurants in the state. Together, the Chicago and Scottsdale locations generated $59 million in sales in 2023 with an average check of $160 per person. Chef Danny Grant, who earned two Michelin stars as the youngest US chef to do so in 2011 and 2012, is the culinary force behind the menu. The restaurant is known for signature items like a fire-roasted seafood tower and a cheeky chef's tasting menu dubbed "I Don't Give a F*@k". The brand is also launching a private membership club, which will offer VIP access to all Maple Hospitality Group restaurants, concierge services, and curated experiences like international wine trips.