Arturo Gomez
Arturo Gomez, President/Partner
Arturo Gomez brings years of experience to Chicago’s restaurant and nightclub industry. Beginning his career in 1998 as director of operations for a large Chicago nightlife company where he established his long-time association with Billy Dec and Brad Young, Gomez maintained all on-premise operating percentages at optimum levels, increased yearly sales and exceeded company benchmarks through the development of strategic operational programs. As a complement to his operations role, Gomez has also been involved in opening and marketing some of Chicago’s most famous nightlife establishments, acting as hands-on design and construction manager of key venues in the city.
In July 2002, Gomez joined the entertainment development company Rockit Ranch Productions (started by partners Dec and Young) as director of operations. Specializing in integrated marketing, promotions and restaurant/nightclub operations and management, he led all aspects of operations and marketing, working in conjunction with Dec and Young. Six months after joining the Rockit Ranch Productions team, his involvement with the promotions and operations of Le Passage led to the its recognition as one of the top venues in Chicago, which was subsequently reflected in numerous editorial reviews and awards.
Gomez was appointed chief operating officer and partner of Rockit Ranch Productions in 2004. During that year, he managed and oversaw ten million dollars of construction budgets in the process of developing Rockit Bar & Grill in Chicago and The Park Sports Club and Tequila Ranch, located in the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, Florida. Rockit Bar & Grill became an instant sensation, popular for its rock and roll atmosphere and delicious menu of eclectic American cuisine. In December 2006 Gomez opened the much-anticipated nightclub concept The Underground, which was quickly recognized for its unsurpassed service and commitment to its customers. Essentially one large VIP room where every guest receives star treatment, the club quickly became a high profile destination for celebrities and Chicago’s nightclub elite alike.
In 2006 and 2007, Gomez, along with partners Billy Dec and Brad Young, was asked to speak at The Nightclub and Bar Convention in Las Vegas as an industry expert. In 2008 he was selected as a keynote speaker on how marketing and operations, when jointly executed, empower a brand beyond measure. With partners Dec and Young, Gomez were presented with the “Operator of the Year” Award at the convention in 2008. Additional honors include being selected by Chicago Social magazine as one of eight “Men on Fire” in May 2006, an accolade that recognized Gomez’s unique representation and individualistic style, and he was recently named one of Chicago Now’s “11 People to Watch in 2011.”
In March 2009 Rockit Ranch opened Sunda, a New Asian restaurant serving contemporary interpretations of traditional dishes from Japan, China and the Southeast Asian Island region. Designed by internationally renowned restaurant and hotel designer Tony Chi, the restaurant garnered three-star (“Excellent”) reviews from the Chicago Sun-Times and Chicago Tribune. Two months later the company expanded even further, opening another Rockit Bar & Grill on the North Side in Wrigleyville. Serving the same delicious cuisine as the downtown location for brunch and dinner, the new outpost is a welcome addition to an area traditionally known for its sports bars, providing a family-friendly dining destination.
Gomez’s operational and marketing expertise, industry knowledge and hard work have made him one of the most respected professionals in Chicago’s highly competitive restaurant and nightclub world. Always at the forefront of highly profitable business partnerships and employee relations, Gomez’s successful leadership style is extremely well-respected and his effect on customers is matched with a business sense that has placed his projects at the top of the very short list of consumer and media favorites.
