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Our story

About Us

In July of 1993, Rick Roman, Nick Pyknis, and dedicated staff members formed a new hospitality management company, Infusion Management Group, to direct the operation of The Signature Room at the 95th® and The Signature Lounge at the 96th®.

To ensure a successful transition, Infusion Management Group created a market-driven approach to announce and establish The Signature Room at the 95th® and The Signature Lounge at the 96th® as the premier dining and entertainment destination in Chicago.

The Signature Room was awarded the “Business Impact of the Year Award” by The Greater North Michigan Avenue Association, an award presented to the business with the most innovative ideas and contribution as a corporate citizen. With consistent accolades such as “Most Romantic Restaurant” and “Best View,” The Signature Room and Signature Lounge have become part of the quintessential Chicago experience.

Upscale dining and a menu of contemporary American cuisine lifted the popularity of the restaurant with Chicagoans and visitors alike. In 1996 The Signature Room was named Restaurant of the Year by the Food and Beverage Equipment Executives. It has been voted one of “America’s Top Tables” by Gourmet Magazine readers consecutively since 1997 and in 1999 Rick Roman received the Restaurateur of the Year award from the Illinois Restaurant Association. The Signature Room just won its 22nd Wine Spectator Restaurant Award of Excellence; an award the restaurant has been honored with every year since 1994.

In 2018, The Signature Room at the 95th® celebrated its 25th birthday. As they looked back on the years past, Roman and Pyknis marveled in their successes - being a part of the Chicago restaurant community, running a successful fine dining restaurant, and establishing their business as both a “tourist must” and a local favorite.

Signature Room Talent

Signature Room talent

Richard J. Roman

Richard J. Roman

Chairman & CEO · Infusion Management Group

Throughout his career, Rick performed and perfected his proficiency in almost every role of food and beverage operations. In 1984, a fortuitous job arrived when he was recruited by ARAMARK to work at the restaurant he would one day own. The 95th was then a very formal, upscale French restaurant that was a training ground for some of the most outstanding culinary talent in America. He assumed the duties of Dining Room Manager with responsibilities in new business development during an exciting culinary period during which Chef Michael Foley introduced the New American cuisine movement.

An active community and industry advocate, Rick served as chairman of the prestigious Greater North Michigan Avenue Association and is a board member of the National Restaurant Association and Le Cordon Bleu Chicago. A past chairman of the Illinois Restaurant Association, Rick was named “Illinois Restaurateur of the Year” in 1999 by the organization. Rick thrives on traveling the globe in search of exciting new culinary adventures. He resides in Chicago and in Reno, Nevada.

Nick Pyknis

Nick Pyknis

Co-Owner & President · Infusion Management Group

Earlier in his career, Nick spent 14 years in management with the Fine Dining Division of ARAMARK, a position that ultimately introduced he and business partner, Rick Roman, to The Signature Room at the 95th. He also worked with ARAMARK Leisure Group directing regional food and beverage events across the United States.

He currently resides in Palos Park with his family and can be found playing ball with his two sons. When he’s not overseeing the action at the Signature Room, you can find him visiting Las Vegas and Greece.

Jay Roman

Jay Roman

Executive Vice President

Executive Vice President Jay Roman oversees all facets of The Signature Room at the 95th , as well as the lounge on the 96th floor of 875 N. Michigan Ave., one of Chicago’s most iconic buildings. Supporting leadership of every department while representing the prestigious name of the fine dining establishment, Roman keeps the guest experience top of mind—as he has done for more than 25 years. “Dining out is an experience for all the senses, not just taste,” he explains. “I’m here to provide a destination to celebrate life’s accomplishments, both little and large.”

Roman takes his role to heart and strives to grow his staff to one day take over his job. The restaurant holds special meaning to him as an integral piece of Chicago history, one he hopes to preserve. Overall, he enjoys sharing the views, the food, and the service with guests who leave feeling like part of the family. “We provide fine dining in a comfortable way–we’re one of the most romantic spots in the city. The dining room may be large, but it’s always an intimate affair,” he says.

A lifelong Illinois resident originally from Buffalo Grove, Roman grew up as the youngest of five siblings. He naturally took on the role of peace-maker since he, “just loves making people happy.” His hard-working father, a traveling salesman, inspired him to succeed—imbuing him with the wisdom that his knack for hospitality was a true gift.

Daniel Winters

Daniel Winters

Chief Financial Officer

Having spent more than 20 years within the hallowed halls of The Signature Room at the 95th , one of Chicago’s most lauded dining destinations, Dan Winters helms all fiscal aspects as chief financial officer. Describing his leadership style as a blend of visionary and participative, he sets lofty goals for his teams and empowers them to achieve greatness. “I encourage freedom among my employees by staying out of the weeds and inspiring confidence in the decisions they make,” he says. “But I’m always here to support, no matter what.”

Detail-oriented and always striving for perfection—much like the restaurant itself on a grander scale—Winters speaks the language of numbers fluently. A master of troubleshooting, his eagle-eye for errors maintains accuracy and his knack for balance keeps every department in check. With a proven track record, he stepped more, in the past few years, into operational and decision-making roles for the establishment. A challenging shift for the CFO, he thrives on the added responsibilities and oversight.

A Chicago native, Winters had a clear vision for his future every year that career day occurred in primary school—even at his young age. With accounting as a foundation, he remained eager to run a company.

Earning his bachelor’s from Loyola University Chicago, Winters also pursued a CPA certification in 1996, though his beginnings with The Signature Room started a year prior—he approached the restaurant regarding an accounting internship to earn money while he was in school. Due to his dedication, the part-time role turned into a professional relationship lasting more than two decades. “The ownership here has treated me exceptionally well throughout my tenure, and I repay them with my loyalty,” he says.

Upon college graduation, Winters became accounting manager. Four years later, he rose to assistant controller, while another four promoted him to the top controller role. In 2009, he took on the title of director of finance, and within a year’s time he became the chief financial officer after the departure of his superior. The vacancy presented the opportunity for Winters to prove himself at the top spot, which was a culmination of his life’s work. He since drove, and continues to drive, The Signature Room and Lounge to achieve consistent financial success yearly.

Join Our Team

Join Our Team

Our employees and managers are committed to providing an exceptional dining experience to our guests. Accordingly, our organization is committed to providing a safe and challenging environment for our employees. Current job openings:

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Reserve a table on the 95th floor

Dinner is served nightly with the whole city in view. Book online, or call us on 312.787.9596.