Lucas Grill

RESTAURATEUR, CHEF, SOMMELIER, FOOTBALL AFICIANADO

Great restaurants tell great stories. For Lucas Grill, each restaurant concept reflects a chapter of his own. From an early age, Lucas discovered a love for cooking and for entertaining. Upon graduating from high school, he enrolled at The Culinary Institute of America, where he nurtured a passion for the finest cuisine.  On completing his culinary training, Lucas pursued a degree in Hospitality Business from Michigan State University, complementing his love of food with a strong foundation in operations and guest experience. The next few years flew as Lucas worked for some of the country’s best restaurateurs in Chicago, Detroit and Grand Rapids.

When it was time to open his first restaurant, Lucas chose to shape Public around his passion for well-crafted food open to all walks of life. Creating a unique dining experience by doing everything the right way, Lucas prepared comfort food that drew the local community together. 

As Public grew, Lucas turned to his next project, Seventy-Six, which celebrates modern American cuisine and the subtle art of well-chosen wines. With Seventy-Six’s success, the 1983 Restaurants group was born.

Seasons passed, preparing Lucas to chase bolder flavors and take bigger risks. He opened two new ventures: Poquito and Obstacle No. 1. These two restaurants, opened in tandem, were both inspired by his years living in Spain. Obstacle No. 1 gathered its own distinct following among those who appreciate balanced and storied cocktails. Poquito, a Spanish tapas restaurant, held a special place in Lucas’ heart before giving way to his most recent concept: Lovejoy, a warm and inviting space filled with the scratch-made magic and heartfelt dishes Lucas discovered in his grandmother’s kitchen.

Together, the family of 1983 Restaurants offers craft, care, and a genuine passion for hospitality. Outside of work, Lucas enjoys spending time with his wife and four children, cheering on his beloved Michigan State Spartans, and listening to his favorite band, Interpol.