The Story
Trio opened in 1994 in an unassuming Evanston location, but its impact on American cuisine would be seismic. When a young chef named Grant Achatz took over as Executive Chef in 2001, Trio already had four Mobil stars. Under Achatz's leadership, it earned a fifth - becoming one of only 13 restaurants in America so honored.
Achatz's innovative techniques at Trio caught the attention of Food & Wine (Best New Chefs) and the James Beard Foundation (Rising Star Chef 2003). His reputation grew so fast that by 2005, Achatz left to open his own restaurant called Alinea. That restaurant would become one of the world's greatest - and it all started in Evanston.
After Achatz's departure, owner Henry Adaniya retooled the concept, but the magic was gone. Trio closed in February 2006 after 12 years. Adaniya eventually left Chicago to open a hot dog joint in Honolulu. Today, the space houses a different restaurant, but Trio's legacy lives on at Alinea and Next.
🍽 Signature Dishes
Achatz's boundary-pushing creations that foreshadowed Alinea
Constantly evolving presentations that earned five Mobil stars
💡 Did You Know?
- Grant Achatz got his start as Executive Chef here in 2001
- Trio was one of only 13 restaurants in America to earn five Mobil stars
- Owner Nick Kokonas (now Achatz's partner at Alinea) first tasted Achatz's cooking at Trio
👤 Notable People
🏙 What's There Now
Reopened as Quince, then other tenants [VERIFY current status]
Original Address: 1625 Hinman Ave., Evanston, IL 60201