Lincoln Park in Chicago in Cook County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

R.J. Grunts

The Original Lettuce Entertain You Creation

Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, February 14, 2026

1. R.J. Grunts Marker

Inscription.
Open on Earth
June 10 1971 AD
11:31 AM

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical date for this entry is June 10, 1971.

Location. 41° 55.208′ N, 87° 38.193′ W. Marker is in Chicago, Illinois, in Cook County. It is in Lincoln Park. It is at the intersection of North Lincoln Park West and West Dickens Avenue on North Lincoln Park West. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2056 North Lincoln Park West, Chicago IL 60614, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the American Midwest

and on the Great Lakes.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Viceroyalty of New France,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

and the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Mid-North (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Helping Wildlife Thrive (about 600 feet away); North American River Otter (about 600 feet away); a different marker also named North American River Otter (about 600 feet away); a different marker also named Mid-North (about 700 feet away); Friedrich Von Schiller (about 800 feet away); Planned for Plants (about 800 feet away); Grey Seal (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Chicago.

Regarding R.J. Grunts. This American-style eatery, opened by Rich Melman and Jerry Orzoff in 1971, was the first establishment in the Lettuce Entertain You chain of restaurants. A still-popular locale on Chicago's north side, the restaurant claims to be the inventor of the salad bar.

Also see . . .
1. Chicago History: The R.J. Grunts Salad Bar.

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Excerpt: "The place has hosted legendary guests over the years, including Andy Warhol and his Factory Crew, and yet remains low-key enough for large families with copious numbers of small children scribbling on the children’s menus. The menu offers classic American fare, the timeless goodness that has kept the place in business for five decades."

(Submitted on February 19, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.)

2. Lettuce Entertain You: About Us.

Excerpt: "Open on Earth June 10, 1971, Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants began as a result of Rich Melman’s innovative ideas combined with the business acumen of Jerry A. Orzoff. A successful realtor, Orzoff played a crucial role in Melman’s life as a close friend and mentor. Following the opening of R.J. Grunts in 1971, Melman and Orzoff continued to develop restaurant concepts together until Orzoff’s death in 1981."

(Submitted on February 19, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.)

Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, February 14, 2026

2. R.J. Grunts

Credits. This page was last revised on February 19, 2026. It was originally submitted on February 19, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. This page has been viewed 26 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 19, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.