Designing experience | Nick Kokonas | TEDxYouth@LatinSchool

Nick Kokonas talks about three Michelin-starred Alinea's approach to what a restaurant should be. You're not just at Alinea for the food; you're there for the meticulously designed experience. Kokonas takes you through everything from the design of the entrance to the centerpieces on the table and how they create an evening you'll never forget.

Nick Kokonas has been many things: an investor, a trader, an advisor, an entrepreneur, and a restaurateur. He's garnered a wealth of experience, which is what makes him such an expert at designing it.

Nick Kokonas is the co-owner and co-founder of Alinea, Next, and the Aviary.

After starting a company that sold posters and inexpensive art to college students and small businesses, Nick became interested in the Chicago exchanges and took a $5 per hour job as a runner on the floor of the Mercantile Exchange.

In 2002 Nick and his wife dined at Trio for the first time and met chef Achatz. A brief conversation after an astounding meal led to a quick collaboration to build what would become world-reknowned Alinea only 1 year to the day later.

Nick’s approach to the business of restaurants is markedly innovative, and he has given talks on innovation, entrepreneurship, and experience design across the country.

[donrenato]

Nick is a visionary. I highly recommend his interview with Tim Ferris. His insight into experience creation and curation is deep.

[brahmwar]

Absolutely insightful - if one is listening to every word the man is saying.