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Ryan O'Donnell '95

Restaurateur
July 2015

Amid the financial crisis in 2008, when even the most-seasoned risk takers were humbled by a swing in the economy, Ryan O’Donnell ’95 signed a lease to open a restaurant on the corner of Lincoln and Dickens Avenues in Chicago’s vibrant Lincoln Park community. “Most people thought I was crazy,” Ryan recalls.

But his persistence on an arduous path would eventually pay off. Having worked as a busboy and prep cook in college, a dream of Ryan’s was to have his own restaurant. Though a hard worker, academics didn’t come easily for Ryan, who at times held two jobs while studying at the University of Denver.

But the decision to attend culinary school was game-changing, “I got straight As for the first time,” says Ryan of his enrollment at Kendall Culinary School in Evanston. A capstone project in the culinary school’s curriculum challenged Ryan to develop a business plan around a potential restaurant. The name he chose for the business in 2000 stuck, and nine years later, on September 9, 2009, Ryan and his wife, Anna, saw Gemini Bistro blossom from a class project into reality (if you guessed it, Ryan is a gemini).

Since its opening, Gemini Bistro has been a neighborhood staple, having been awarded three stars from Chicago Tribune food critic Phil Vettel and received a Michelin Bib Gourmand distinction three years in a row. Featuring American cuisine with French and Mediterranean influences, Gemini Bistro is a favorite destination for its weekly regulars, young families and even date-night couples.

And you might just see a group from Loyola Academy dining there, too. In January Ryan hosted Loyola Academy’s annual mentor program dinner, preparing a special menu for young alumni and current students to enjoy. He’s also hosted some events for his 20th Reunion Committee as they plan for this fall’s celebration. And Ryan has been a longtime supporter of the Ramblers Golf Outing and the Ramble auction. Noting that his grandfather, father, uncles and younger brother are also alumni, Ryan comments, “Loyola is a special place.”

Gemini Bistro is located at 2075 N. Lincoln Avenue in the heart of Lincoln Park. Find more information online at http://www.geminibistrochicago.com/.

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