Timeout Chicago Takes An In Depth Look Jerry Kleiner

Time-out Chicago has the most detailed story we've ever read about Jerry Kleiner. Regardless on your feelings on him, he was a integral part of the South Loop scene over the past 10 years or so. It's an interesting read. Here's a highlight about the Sloop:

With Davis and Kleiner as the remaining majority partners, KDK continued its string of openings in then-sketchy neighborhoods, this time setting its sights on the South Loop with Italian spot Gioco (1999), Chinese concept Opera (2002) and the short-lived Japanese spot Saiko (2003–05). When Gioco debuted, “there was just a trickle of residential on the eastern end” of the South Loop, Kleiner says. “Wherever I’ve gone, I’ve created a movement, a vision, an energy field. It took me years to get people to follow me down to these areas.”

If you're like us, this comment is a little off-putting. Maybe there is some truth to it, but still seems like he's giving himself to much credit.