Gary Obligacion is a seasoned hospitality executive. He is currently the Director of Development for The Alinea Group in Chicago, which owns and operates four Chicago-based, award-winning restaurants -- Alinea, Next, Aviary, and Roister. Gary is specifically focused on the Group launching food & beverage operations in the recently developed St Regis Tower, scheduled to begin operations Q3 of this year. This is his second time with the Alinea Group, having earlier served as Director of Operations.

Prior to his return to Chicago, Gary was the General Manager at the Post Ranch Inn in Big Sur, one of the country’s top boutique luxury hotel properties.

Gary’s hospitality career began in 1984 at Alice Water's landmark restaurant, Chez Panisse, while he attended the University of California, Berkeley, while his management experience runs from high end restaurants like Alinea, to luxury hotels (Post Ranch Inn, Pebble Beach Resorts, Ritz-Carlton Hotels), to world class events like Pebble Beach Food & Wine.

When given a chance, Gary will find a way to get outdoors and enjoy a long hike and some fresh air. Otherwise, any day with friends and a bottle of wine is a really good day.