Vibrant Examples of LGBTQIA+ Owned and Operated Restaurants
Pride Month is an annual celebration that provides the perfect opportunity to support the vibrant LGBTQIA+ community and appreciate the diverse flavors and exceptional hospitality they bring to the restaurant industry. As businesses become more diverse and inclusive, restaurants owned and operated by LGBTQIA+ leaders continue to thrive, showcasing their authenticity, creativity, and impeccable service.
We’ve put together a few of our many favorite Tripleseat customers, who are proudly LGBTQIA+ owned and operated. These customers demonstrate their success through exceptional culinary experiences and warm hospitality.
Knead Hospitality + Design – Washington, D.C
KNEAD Hospitality + Design is an award-winning Washington, D.C.-based multi-concept restaurant group founded by seasoned restaurant operators Jason Berry and Michael Reginbogin, who are also a married gay couple. This unique ownership structure allows them to integrate both hospitality and design under one roof, with Michael Reginbogin serving as the company’s Design Director. Since their inception in 2015, KNEAD has rapidly grown to encompass a diverse portfolio of restaurants, ranging from fast-casual to fine dining. Their offerings span various cuisines including Mexican, Southern, French, American, and steakhouse fare, with popular concepts such as Mi Vida, Succotash, Gatsby, The Grill, Bistro Du Jour, and Beresovsky’s Deli, among others. KNEAD focuses on creating sophisticated, warm, and functional spaces that provide exceptional dining experiences, aiming to blend the art of hospitality with innovative design.
Beyond everyday dining, KNEAD Hospitality + Design excels in providing comprehensive private dining and event offerings tailored to a wide range of occasions, including weddings, birthday celebrations, cocktail parties, and business presentations. Their diverse array of restaurants means they can offer a variety of private and semi-private spaces, each with its own unique ambiance and design, from dramatic historic interiors in converted bank buildings to spectacular waterfront balconies. They provide customizable menus, including passed hors d’oeuvres receptions, family-style meals, and prix fixe options. Whether guests are looking for an intimate underground hideaway or the possibility of taking over an entire restaurant for a large gathering, KNEAD’s events team works closely with clients to curate a memorable experience that fits their personal style and budget.
Homecomin’ – Disney Springs, FL
Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ Florida Kitchen, located at Disney Springs in Walt Disney World Resort, is a culinary celebration of authentic Southern comfort food with a distinct Florida twist. Owned by two-time James Beard Foundation award-winner and Florida native Chef Art Smith, the restaurant pays homage to the state’s rich agricultural heritage by sourcing local ingredients and showcasing farm-to-table cuisine. Chef Smith, known for being Oprah Winfrey’s former personal chef and his appearances on popular cooking shows, imbues Homecomin’ with a warm, welcoming, and down-home atmosphere, reminiscent of a family gathering. Guests can savor hearty main plates like his famous buttermilk-brined fried chicken (often paired uniquely with house-made sugar doughnuts), braised short ribs, shrimp & grits, and classic Southern sides such as creamy mashed potatoes, cheddar drop biscuits, and Momma’s Mac and Cheese. The adjacent Southern Shine Bar offers a selection of creative libations, including signature moonshine craft cocktails.
For those looking to host special gatherings, Homecomin’ offers private and semi-private dining options, making it a popular choice for events ranging from intimate dinners to larger group celebrations. While specific dedicated private dining rooms might not always be available in the traditional sense, the restaurant is well-equipped to accommodate groups of varying sizes, up to 500 people, with customizable event options. They can arrange for semi-private spaces and even full restaurant buyouts for very large parties. The culinary team works with clients to craft bespoke menus featuring their beloved Southern dishes, along with a range of beverage options. This flexibility, combined with the restaurant’s reputation for delicious, comforting food and a vibrant atmosphere, makes Homecomin’ a favored venue for memorable events within the Disney Springs area.
The Dearborn – Chicago, Illinois
The Dearborn, nestled in the heart of Chicago’s Loop and Theater District, is an urban American tavern co-owned and operated by Amy Lawless, who identifies as LGBTQ+, and her sister, Clodagh Lawless. Both Irish-born with deep roots in hospitality from their family’s restaurant in Ireland, they bring over 40 years of combined experience to their establishment, which opened in 2016. The Dearborn is celebrated for its elevated yet approachable American cuisine, under the direction of Executive Chef Aaron Cuschieri, with a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients and Midwestern influences. The restaurant’s ambiance is designed to evoke Chicago’s past with thoughtful details like murals, leather booths, and a vibrant atmosphere suitable for a working lunch, pre-theater drinks, or a relaxed dinner any night of the week. Their menu features a range of tempting dishes, including their renowned fried chicken, the Dearborn burger, and Chicago-style fish and chips, alongside creative cocktails, an extensive wine list, and a selection of craft beers. The Lawless sisters’ dedication to genuine hospitality and their community involvement, particularly Amy’s support of the LGBTQ+ community, further contribute to The Dearborn’s welcoming and inclusive appeal.
For those seeking to host a private event, The Dearborn offers the elegant Rialto Room. This dedicated private space boasts a vaulted ceiling, a private bar, burnished mirror panels, and crystal chandeliers, creating a sophisticated setting for various gatherings. The Rialto Room can comfortably seat up to 24 guests for dinner or accommodate up to 35 for cocktail receptions. Equipped with A/V capabilities, it’s also a suitable venue for business meetings and presentations. The Dearborn’s team works closely with clients to craft customizable, seasonal menus that can accommodate dietary needs such as vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. Whether for an intimate celebration, a corporate lunch, or a festive holiday party, the Rialto Room provides a beautiful and functional space, ensuring a memorable event with the same high level of service and culinary excellence found in their main dining room.
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Succeed Like These Restaurants With Tripleseat
All of these amazing LGBTQAI+ restaurants use Tripleseat to help them succeed with their event business. Tripleseat is a game-changer! Don’t take our word for it. Explore our customer success stories to see how we have helped your hospitality peers improve their businesses. Schedule a demo to learn more.
