Innovative Dining Group names new COOInnovative Dining Group names new COO

Nicolas Kurban, COO, Innovative Dining Group. Photo courtesy of Innovative Dining Group

Kurban started work in the newly created position last week. He will oversee both domestic and international operations and lead new growth for the hospitality group’s brands, IDG said.

Previously, Kurban served as corporate vice president of food and beverage for Four Seasons Hotels in the Asia Pacific region. He held similar senior leadership positions with Crown Casino in Melbourne, Australia, and Borgata Casino and Hotel in Atlantic City, N.J., as well as Wynn Casino and Resort in Las Vegas.

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In addition, Kurban has worked with several top celebrity chefs, including Wolfgang Puck and Thomas Keller, managing restaurants in Las Vegas like Spago and Bouchon Bistro, IDG executives said.

“Kurban possesses an invaluable combination of restaurant-level operation experience, brand and corporate-level management expertise, as well as thoughtful, focused, hands-on leadership,” said Lee Maen, IDG founder and partner. “As we enter our next chapter of innovation and expanded growth, Kurban will play an integral role in our evolution, drawing on his extensive knowledge and connections in international markets.”

Based in Los Angeles and celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2017, IDG is the operator of the high-end restaurants Sushi Roku, BOA Steakhouse, Katana, Robata Bar and ROKU, with locations in Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Scottsdale, Ariz., Newport Beach, Calif., and the Middle East.

The group is also a partner in two locations at Los Angeles International Airport, B Grill by BOA Steakhouse and Luckyfish. A location of Katana is scheduled to open in Chicago at the end of the year.

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