Lee Maen is a founding partner and visionary of the Innovative Dining Group, which is behind a batch of very successful restaurants and lounges in Los Angeles, Scottsdale, and Las Vegas. The Innovative Dining Group, which began in 1997 with the contemporary sushi bar concept Sushi Roku, has turned into a company with five restaurant concepts and 13 locations. Originally created to fill a niche in the Japanese restaurant market, Sushi Roku was the first Sushi Bar concept in Los Angeles that combined great design, a full bar and exceptional food at a reasonable price point.
IDG’s portfolio also includes classic American fare (BOA Steakhouse), comfort Japanese food (Katana), and elevated teppanyaki (ROKU and Robata Bar). Interestingly, IDG has opened two concepts at Los Angeles International Airport: B Grill by BOA Steakhouse (in partnership with Areas USA) and Luckyfish (in partnership with Star Concessions). Internationally, IDG operates BOA Steakhouse and Katana in Dubai. Ultimately, with each development, IDG strives to create a unique culinary experience that bridges the past and the present, both embracing new ideas and showing respect for tradition.
I had the pleasure of doing Q&A with Lee Maen on behalf of A Global Lifestyle in January 2020. More on Maen, the Innovative Dining Group and IDG’s various restaurants can be found online by visiting www.innovativedining.com.
You are a founding partner of the Innovative Dining Group which has restaurants spread around Los Angeles, Scottsdale, Las Vegas, Dubai, and Chicago. How much are you on the road?
Lee Maen: Give or take I travel around seventy days a year. About half the time is visiting our current establishments and the other half is either scouting new locations or vacationing. Besides our current markets we have been looking in Miami, New York, and Saudi Arabia.
Prior to working with IDG, what was your first restaurant-related professional experience?
Lee Maen: During college at UCLA, I was a waiter and bartender for a couple of years. Looking back on it now I think working in a restaurant when you’re young is an amazing experience that can prepare you for anything you might want to do in life.
What is it that draws you to the hospitality world? Was it always what you wanted to do professionally?
Lee Maen: My partners and I love to imagine a new idea or concept and then create it from scratch. We love to watch it unfold and see people enjoy themselves and create cherished memories there for years to come. I remember working at a restaurant in college thinking, “I’ll never own a restaurant,” and it actually worked out kind of the opposite. Never say never!
Is there an IDG accomplishment you are most proud of?
Lee Maen: It makes us proud when people at IDG grow and evolve by moving up in the company, build a life and strong career for themselves in the hospitality industry to support their family and loved ones. Developing people is part of our mission and it’s so rewarding to be a part of the process; we’ve had food-runners work their way up to become general managers making six figures.
I will have the pleasure of visiting Sushi Roku in Las Vegas later this month for the first time. Do you have a favorite item on the menu there?
Lee Maen: My favorite is the Omakase — in other words, “chef’s choice” — and let him create a custom and special experience for you. We also have many new vegan dishes that are pretty amazing — or if you’re in the mood you can never go wrong with premium Japanese A-5 wagyu.
What does 2020 look like for you and IDG?
Lee Maen: I am eager and looking forward to the launch of our new concept, Yakumi. The vision is a fast-casual, counter service concept that will bring high-quality sushi to the masses at an affordable price.
When not busy with IDG, what do you like to do with your time?
Lee Maen: I love to travel — I’m headed to Bali for the first time this year. Of course, I love to eat and drink in conjunction with exploring new places and experiencing different cultures. I always love practicing yoga and simply relaxing/reading by the pool.
What was the last trip you took for fun?
Lee Maen: Recently a friend celebrated his birthday in Italy. About 20 of us traveled through four cities, basically eating and drinking our way through each town. Lots of Vongole.
Finally, Lee, any last words for the kids?
Lee Maen: Enjoy every day, and don’t forget to take time to go out and eat, socialize, and experience new things.
