SAN FRANCISCO (Aug. 1, 2011) - Joie de Vivre announced it will open its first hotel in Chicago in February 2012. The San Francisco-based boutique hotel company finalized the management agreement last week for the 184-room property. When it launches as Hotel Lincoln in February, it will be Joie de Vivre's second property outside of California, where the company operates more than 30 hotels.

The Chicago hotel, which is currently closed and undergoing a significant renovation, is located in Lincoln Park on North Clark Street in a historic landmarked building purchased earlier this year by Angelo, Gordon & Co., AJ Capital Partners and Centrum Properties. Only two miles from downtown Chicago, Lincoln Park is one of the city's most charming residential neighborhoods. The hotel overlooks the Lincoln Park Zoo and is near DePaul University and attractions such as the Chicago History Museum and Lincoln Park Conservatory.

The 12-story property is also the tallest building in the neighborhood, and Hotel Lincoln will boast phenomenal views from its guest rooms. Of the 184 rooms and suites, 60% will have direct views of Lake Michigan and the remaining ones will overlook downtown Chicago. Hotel Lincoln will also feature a new lobby bar and lounge as well as an all-season rooftop bar. In addition, the hotel houses one of the city's most acclaimed restaurants, the popular Perennial Virant restaurant operated by the Boka Restaurant Group. Perennial Virant will provide breakfast and room service for Hotel Lincoln guests.

Commenting on the Chicago project, Joie de Vivre President and Chief Operating Officer Ingrid Summerfield said: "We're excited to bring Joie de Vivre hospitality to Chicago with the opening of Hotel Lincoln in Lincoln Park next February. Wherever we go nationally, Joie de Vivre will continue to create distinct properties that reflect their location and become part of the fabric of a community so our guests can enjoy genuine, multi-layered experiences."

Andrew Alford, owner and principle of Dirty Lines Design, the interior design firm hired for the project, added: "One of the guiding themes for the hotel is the idea of being ‘connected.' We want guests to feel like they are staying in someone's home in the Lincoln Park neighborhood. The hotel will have a very residential feel with an eccentric-meets-collegial preppy style that will be realized through a mix of vintage and contemporary décor and artwork. Ultimately, we are creating a fun and welcoming environment that speaks to Lincoln Park's unique character and charm."

The Hotel Lincoln management contract signing follows Joie de Vivre's recent announcement of the fall 2011 opening of The Drinkwater in Scottsdale, Arizona. In partnership with Geolo Capital, Joie de Vivre is expanding, building a network of hotels across the country in key markets and destinations.

About Joie de Vivre Hospitality, LLC
Founded in 1987 by entrepreneur Chip Conley, San Francisco-based Joie de Vivre is known for creating some of the most innovative hospitality services and products and designing one-of-a-kind boutique hotels, restaurants and spas. Geolo Capital, a private equity firm controlled by the family office of John Pritzker, acquired a majority interest in Joie de Vivre in 2010. The firm specializes in hospitality investments and is capitalizing the boutique hotel company's expansion. Joie de Vivre currently operates more than 30 boutique hotels under the Joie de Vivre Hotels brand.

About Perennial Virant
Perennial Virant, the fifth restaurant to open under the BRG (Boka Restaurant Group) moniker in May of 2011, features the contemporary farm to table cuisine of award-winning chef Paul Virant. From a weekly seasonal menu, showcasing Chef Virant's love of pickling and preserving foods, to the sophisticated, yet simple 96-seat "urban garden," designed by 555 International, Perennial Virant provides a unique dining experience with its serious food and casual environment. Located directly across from Green City Market in Chicago's Lincoln Park (1800 North Lincoln Avenue), Perennial Virant serves dinner Monday through Sunday, starting at 5 pm, as well as weekend brunch on Saturday and Sunday from 10 am to 2:30pm. For reservations or more information please call (312) 981-7070, or visit www.perennialvirant.com.