LA's IDG Group Planning Multiple Chicago Japanese Restaurants Led by Jason Chan

Katana isn't the only Japanese hotspot that LA restaurant group IDG is planning to open in Chicago—and a noteworthy Chicago restaurant lifer will run them. At least two more concepts, including BOA Steakhouse and Sushi Roku, are coming to the Windy City with longtime local restaurateur Jason Chan at the helm, according to an IDG news release and Chan.

Katana, the glitzy robotayaki concept that was reported in September 2015 and now slated to open either late this year or early 2017, is taking over the former Bin 36 space in River North. There are no locations or timeframes yet for the future concepts. IDG (Innovative Dining Group) operates seven restaurants and lounges in the LA area, which are entrenched in Hollywood as celebrity hotspots.

IDG brought on Chan, who has more than 25 years experience running restaurants in Chicago, to lead the forthcoming Chicago locations and tailor them to the local scene. "They love the Chicago market as much as I do," Chan, who most recently was with Lettuce Entertain You and Rich Melman after leaving his Lincoln Park sushi restaurant Juno, says. Both parties seem pumped about about the partnership, so stay tuned for more information and to see how it works out.