Josh Kaplan

Assistant General Manager

Thrilled to have found a new home at Benny’s, Assistant General Manager, Josh Kaplan is excited by the challenge of working in a steakhouse and taking a tried and true Chicago concept and presenting something that is innovative, unique and different.

Prior to arriving at Benny’s, Kaplan took on the Position of Beverage Manager at theWit Hotel in Chicago and was responsible for all three restaurants, State and Lake, Cibo Matto, and ROOF at theWit. Kaplan participated in every aspect of the beverage program from educating the staff to interacting with diners and brings to Benny’s a tremendous level of experience and knowledge.

Growing up as the son of a restaurant critic may have contributed to Josh Kaplan’s affection for the hospitality industry, but the path he chose is one unique of his father’s. Kaplan credits his father with shaping his interest in cuisine and wine collecting. Wine focused restaurants have been the majority focus of his hospitality career. In 2004 an opportunity at mk, alongside longtime friend Chef Todd Stein, presented itself. At mk Kaplan worked as Beverage Manager before being promoted to the General Manager and, even then, Kaplan could not let go of his love of wine. During this period Kaplan continued to oversee the entire beverage program while simultaneously serving as General Manager.

2008 was a year that Kaplan is certainly proud of as he was recognized by StarChefs.com as the “Rising Star Sommelier”, he was awarded Runner Up for Best Wine Service in Chicago Social magazine, and one of his drink recipes was published in the Food and Wine Magazine Cocktail Book.