LEE MAEN

Partner

Innovative Dining Group

Lee Maen is a partner in Innovative Dining Group, owner of 17 restaurants including Sushi Roku, Roku, BOA Steakhouse, Robata Barand Katana. Maen founded the company with two partners in 1996 with the opening of Sushi Roku on Third Street in Los Angeles. The Japanese restaurant now has locations in Santa Monica, Pasadena and Newport Beach. Maen is chairman of the advisory board that manages the Sunset Strip Business Improvement District and is a board member of the West Hollywood Chamber of Commerce and Visit West Hollywood. He’s also an active member of the Santa Monica Bay Chapter of YPO and speaks on numerous industry panels each year.

What was your proudest moment?

Growing someone one from server through the ranks to general manager

What is your alma mater?

Bachelor’s, UCLA; MBA, Anderson School of Management

What is your next project?

We just opened Katana in Chicago.

Who is your hero?

I like what Elon Musk is up to.

What do you like best about Los Angeles?

You can make it your own. The diversity of art, activities, the landscape and options are limitless.