About
After 25 years in the Restaurant Business working and learning from others, Gabe Garza joined Ideology Entertainment Group in Chicago as President/Partner. Ideology Entertainment Group owns and operates a unique collection of inspired destinations including Chicago q, Blue Door Farm Stand, La Storia Ristorante and Biggs, and is developing other Chicago concepts.
Born in New Orleans, LA and raised in Houston, TX, Gabe’s love for food and entertaining stems from his family. With his mother, one of eleven children, and his father, one of five children, family get-togethers often took place at his house and were well orchestrated productions fixated on food, which every family member, including Gabe, had a clearly defined role in the process.
In high school, while working with Pappas Restaurant Group, Gabe first became enamored by the excitement and challenge of entertaining diners while striving to surpass their expectations. He became one of the youngest members on the Pappasito’s opening and training team.
Throughout college at Louisiana State University, Garza continued to work in the industry. At 21, he assisted with the conceptual redesign and opening of Ninfa’s Mexican Restaurant as Assistant General Manager. Then, in 1995, Ninfa’s owner, T.J. Moran introduced him to Chicago via Ruth Chris Steakhouse. It was then that he fell in Chicago.
However, before returning to Chicago for good, he spent 17 years working on multiple projects as Operating Partner for Superior Restaurant Group, including Cocina Superior in Birmingham, Alabama and Superior Seafood in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Gabe is excited to continue pursuing his passion for creating unique dining destinations and experiences in Chicago. He hopes to offer engaging escapes from the everyday with innovated design alongside familiar concepts, local character and attentive service.