SHAWN MCCLAIN

As a James Beard Award Winner and outstanding restaurateur, Shawn has opened six renowned restaurants in Chicago and Las Vegas including Spring restaurant (innovative seafood), Sage restaurant (new American), Green Zebra (Vegetarian), Five50 Pizza Bar and Libertine Social (next generation gastropub). His acumen for redefining established genres to win both critical acclaim and establish smart, sustainable businesses is the hallmark of his career. This will be his first project in Detroit, which has been carefully selected because of its iconic destination status and unique position atop GMRENCEN, the General Motors headquarters and home to a signature Marriott hotel. “I could not be more proud to join Detroit’s outstanding culinary scene with the reimagining of this iconic, totally unique space. We plan to turn traditional ‘top of the tower’ dining on its head and deliver a multi-faceted destination that mirrors the bold, innovative spirit of this great city” says McClain.  

While Shawn brings world-recognized acclaim to any project he takes on, he takes personal pride in his hands-on approach and deep commitment to developing all aspects of the operation and guest experience. Shawn draws on his experience in both independent ventures as well as management partnerships with Fortune 100 organizations, such as MGM Resorts and General Motors to deliver the greatest possible results from any restaurant opportunity. 

Shawn grew up a native Midwesterner, born in Cincinnati, OH. Having lived and grown businesses in Chicago and Las Vegas, he has made Detroit his home since 2011 with wife Holly McClain, also a partner in their restaurants. He currently resides in Grosse Ile. with Holly and their two young daughters.