Rick Roman, Nick Pyknic, and other committed members of the team established a new hospitality management firm in July of 1993 and named it Infusion Management Group. Their mission was to oversee the day-to-day operations of The Signature Lounge at the 96th®.
Infusion Management Group devised a market-driven strategy to announce and establish The Signature Lounge at the 96th® as the most desirable dining and entertainment destination in Chicago. This was done to ensure that the transition would be successful.
The “Business Impact of the Year Award” was bestowed upon The Signature Room by The Greater North Michigan Avenue Association. This honor is bestowed upon the company that has demonstrated the most forward-thinking ideas and has made the most significant contribution as a corporate citizen. The Signature Lounge has evolved into a key component of the classic Chicago experience, earning honors such as “Most Romantic Restaurant” and “Best View” consistently.
The restaurant gained popularity among natives of Chicago and visitors to the city due to its upscale dining and menu, which featured contemporary American food. The Food and Beverage Equipment Executives bestowed the title of Restaurant of the Year title upon The Signature Room in 1996. Since 1997, readers of Gourmet Magazine have consistently chosen it as one of “America’s Top Tables,” In 1999, the Illinois Restaurant Association honored Rick Roman as Restaurateur of the Year for his contributions to the restaurant industry. The Wine Spectator Restaurant Award of Excellence was just given to The Signature Room, making this the 22nd time the restaurant has received this accolade since its establishment in 1994.
2018 marked the 25th anniversary of The Signature Room at the 96th®, which was celebrated throughout the year. When Roman and Pyknis looked back on the years that had passed, they were amazed at all of the successes that they had achieved. These successes included being a part of the Chicago restaurant community, operating a successful fine dining restaurant, and establishing their company as a “tourist must” and a local favorite. Visit Xavier Club without a second thought- the best place for people living in Chicago and it’s neighborhood area.