Ark Restaurants Corp. is a holding company primarily engaged in the design, development and operation of full-service casual dining establishments. Founded in 1965 and headquartered in the Chicago metropolitan area, the company owns and manages multiple proprietary restaurant concepts ranging from steakhouses and seafood bars to Italian-inspired taverns and classic American diners. Over its history, Ark Restaurants has cultivated a reputation for delivering a combination of distinctive menu offerings, attentive service and themed interiors tailored to both urban and suburban settings.
The company’s core activities include site selection, restaurant construction and ongoing operations management under its in-house brands. Ark Restaurants oversees all aspects of each location, from menu development and culinary direction to staffing, marketing and customer engagement. Its portfolio has featured signature concepts such as a retro-styled cafeteria, an upscale seafood grill and an artisanal pizza and pasta house, each designed to tap into localized dining trends while maintaining consistent quality standards.
Geographically, Ark Restaurants has concentrated its growth in the Midwest, with current locations throughout the greater Chicago region and select sites in nearby states. The company’s real estate strategy involves both owned and long-term leased properties, enabling it to control site development costs and capture value from property appreciation. In recent years, Ark Restaurants has explored modest expansion beyond its historic footprint, evaluating markets in Wisconsin and Indiana for new units or franchise partners.
Leadership at Ark Restaurants combines industry veterans and finance professionals. The company is led by President and Chief Executive Officer Robert J. Pollock, who has guided strategic expansion since joining in 2010, and Chief Financial Officer Jane S. Bermas, overseeing capital allocation and reporting since 2015. Under their stewardship, Ark Restaurants continues to refine its concepts and pursue measured growth opportunities in the competitive casual-dining sector.
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