Name, Title
Name, Title
Sam Sanchez
155 W. Kinzie Street
Chicago, Illinois 60654
773-348-8899
sam@johnbarleycorn.com
Biography
Sam Sanchez has an accomplished hospitality industry background spanning concept development, bar and restaurant management, bar and restaurant operations, new product development, advertising, marketing, event management, promotions, and staff management.
Mr. Sanchez is the principal partner and oversees all facets of a multi-unit, multi-million dollar restaurant business, including operations and business development for three John Barleycorn locations and two Moe’s Cantina locations. He oversees future growth and expansion for both brands, including spearheading franchising opportunities for Moe’s Cantina. He serves as project manager for the new River North John Barleycorn location, which has a target opening date of late 2012, and is currently developing an unnamed concept in Chicago’s Wrigleyville neighborhood. Mr. Sanchez also owns EMC Construction, a full-service construction company which handles both renovations of existing properties and new construction, and Samco Enterprises, a staff management and personnel training company.
In addition to his primary businesses, Mr. Sanchez is also a partner and consultant for two River North ventures: Mercer One Thirteen, a full-service restaurant and lounge, and Social Twenty-Five, a sports lounge and live music venue. Mr. Sanchez also serves as a consultant for Revolution Brands, a minority-owned spirits company that launched the 4 Rebels Vodka brand in Illinois in August 2009.
Mr. Sanchez is very active in Chicago’s hospitality community and in the neighborhoods where his venues are located. He is the president of the Chicago Hospitality Association, a member and former officer of the Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce, he currently serves as a commissioner for the Lincoln Avenue Special Service Area (SSA), and he is a member and former officer of the Illinois Restaurant Association. He also is an active member in the River North Business Association, the Central Lakeview Merchants Association, the East Lakeview Neighbors Association, the Schaumburg Business Association, the Greater North Michigan Avenue Association, the Downtown Leadership Club and Club 42.
Maintaining viable and attractive neighborhoods for both the residents and the business sector is a priority for Mr. Sanchez. He is presently working with city and community leaders to stimulate economic growth in the 43rd Ward by redeveloping the Lincoln Park property vacated by Children’s
Memorial Hospital in June 2012. He has been a vocal participant in development plans for the Wrigleyville neighborhood, especially projects that will have a major impact on the neighborhood such as ballpark renovations, street closures and the mixed-use Addison Park on Clark development. He is
currently a board member for the Lakefront Sculpture Exhibit (LSE), a privately-funded, not-for-profit corporation that concentrates on enriching the community with public art projects while supporting local artists in the 43rd and 44th Wards.
Safety and security is a top concern for Mr. Sanchez in the communities where he does business and Chicago at large. He is actively involved with the Chicago Alternative Policing Strategy (CAPS), in the 44th, 43rd and 42nd Wards, working with residents and the police department to identify and solve neighborhood problems. Mr. Sanchez collaborated with the City of Chicago and the Chicago Police Department to implement and maintain private security companies in major entertainment districts to enhance security and address safety issues important to both residents and bar and restaurant
owners. He was instrumental in laying the groundwork with city and state legislators for the Comprehensive Alcohol Responsible Retailing Act (C.A.R.R.A). This act was developed to curb overconsumption and binge drinking by setting service standards for both retail and on-premise
alcohol sales.
Mr. Sanchez believes in giving back to the community and hosts many charitable events at his venues throughout the year. Highlights include: the 43rd Ward and 44th Ward Annual Senior Summer Barbecues; the 43rd Ward Annual Senior Bingo Party; the 44th Ward Annual Children’s Holiday Party, the Ugly Sweater Party, an annual food drive for the Greater Chicago Food Depository; Pinko de Mayo, an annual event benefitting the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation; and the Links Technology Cup, an annual fundraiser benefitting the Schaumburg Park Foundation.
Mr. Sanchez has been married to Marga for 24 years and has three daughters: Samantha, Korina, and Camila. In his spare time, Mr. Sanchez enjoys entertaining at home and cooking for his family and friends.
