Le Select, a River North French eatery introduced by Boka Restaurant Group in January 2023, is closing to transition into a private events venue. Eater Chicago reports that founders Kevin Boehm and Rob Katz admitted the concept "did not resonate the way we dreamed for it to."
Restaurant Business reports the partnership between Rose and Boka led to the launch of Le Select and Café Basque in Los Angeles within a five-month span, though both establishments received mixed reviews.
The establishment's shift toward a private events venue will commence immediately. Le Select will host events throughout 2023 and will temporarily close for minor renovations and design modifications in January 2024. Upon completion of this work, the name Le Select will also be retired.
Boka's transition to private event catering is considered audacious, and Eater Chicago reports that the group has long desired to create a private event venue. Boka remains optimistic that their conversion will fill a growing demand for flexible event spaces and better serve the needs of their customers. Bookings for events are already reportedly being accommodated.
However was observed, the high-profile partnership between Boka and Rose encountered turbulence, eventually leading Rose to part ways with the restaurant group in May, following lukewarm reviews from local critics. Afterwards, Chef Chris Pandel of Swift & Sons in Fulton Market was put at the helm to rejuvenate Le Select's menu, although this effort became moot after the decision to transition to private events was made.
In a closing statement, Boehm indicated that embracing risk and responding to feedback has enabled Boka to remain in the restaurant industry for over two decades.
