Dan Ryan was a Chicago politician in the 1940's. During this timeframe Chicago wielded unprecedented economic and political power in the United States. The unusual concentration of power gave the city's politicians greater prominence. Dan Ryan remained in this power elite through several Mayoral terms. He was renowned for his ability to get things done through his close contacts in Washington D.C., and with local political and social leaders.

The first Dan Ryan's restaurant was started in 1989. The authentic American atmosphere features art deco light fixtures, circa 1940's music, woodwork and tile patterns typical of the era, and a mural depicting vintage Chicago nightlife. The posters, newspaper clippings, train, and beer neon's all add to making one feel as though they really are in Chicago. Whether in a business suit or in causal attire, everyone feels comfortable in the relaxed setting.

Chicago, like many U.S. cities, is a city of immigrants. Our menu reflects that by offering items from the Irish, Italians, Polish, Germans, and others who settled in the area. Mr. Christenson put great emphasis on the food. His primary concern was to make it authentic. He imported U.S. food product that Dan Ryan's uses exclusively. That's what puts the steaks, baby back ribs, deli sandwiches and desserts many grades above the competition. "They can copy us," he said, "but they will never be as good." The value proposition remains as customers notice the difference between Dan's ";made from scratch" menu items and the competitors preprocessed food.