Gary Obligacion is a seasoned hospitality executive. He is currently the Director of Development for the Alinea Group in Chicago, which owns and operates four Chicago-based, award-winning restaurants — Alinea, Next, Aviary, and Roister. This is his second stint with the Alinea Group, having earlier served as Director of Operations from 2012 to 2018.

Prior to his return to Chicago, Gary was the General Manager at the Post Ranch Inn in Big Sur, one of the country’s top boutique luxury hotel properties. 

Gary’s hospitality career began in 1984 at Alice Water’s landmark restaurant, Chez Panisse, while he attended the University of California, Berkeley. His management experience runs from high end restaurants like Alinea, to luxury hotels (Post Ranch Inn, Pebble Beach Resorts, Ritz-Carlton Hotels), to world class events like Pebble Beach Food & Wine. Gary’s nearly 40 years in hospitality have touched on almost every facet of the industry.

When given a chance, Gary will find a way to get outdoors and just enjoy a long walk and some fresh air. Otherwise, any day with friends and a bottle of wine is a really good day.