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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: 9/28/2024
### The Captain’s Room: Chicagoland’s Premier Private Dining Destination Redefines Luxury Event Hosting
Villa Park, IL — The Captain’s Room, an exclusive new private dining and event space, has opened its doors in the historic 1924 Art Deco building at 212 S Villa Avenue in downtown Villa Park, Illinois. Merging old-world sophistication with modern elegance, The Captain’s Room offers a unique experience for Chicagoland’s most discerning guests—combining exquisite cuisine, curated wine pairings, and a meticulously restored venue that feels like a hidden gem from another era.
Nestled just 19 miles west of downtown Chicago and moments from Oak Brook Mall, The Captain’s Room evokes the allure of a prohibition-era speakeasy, with a storied past that includes a famous 1926 robbery by John Dillinger’s gang. Its rich history, paired with its seamless blend of contemporary luxury, offers an atmosphere you have to feel for yourself to describe. From the moment guests walk through the door, they are transported into a world where every detail is thoughtfully designed to create an unforgettable experience.
The vision for The Captain’s Room began with co-owners John Paul and Kristen Demirdjian, a husband-and-wife team who wanted to create a truly bespoke space that combines their love for fine dining, exceptional wines, and elegant entertaining. Originally conceived as a speculative real estate project intended to house their own offices, the concept quickly evolved into a dual-purpose venue: an office by day and an intimate private dining and events space by night.
“There was a gap in the area of truly old-school and bespoke sophisticated hospitality....the old rooms where you felt like you were transported to a different place and time. Something elevated, special, hard to describe.” said John Paul Demirdjian, Chef and Co-Owner of The Captain’s Room. “We wanted to build a place where we’d want to spend time with precious friends and family. The result was a venue that’s been designed to anticipate every need, creating an environment where every detail matters and time slows down.”
John Paul, a successful real estate developer and veteran entrepreneur in Chicago’s tech and startup scene, brings a wealth of expertise to the project. With over two decades of experience founding, funding, and building successful companies, his hands-on approach is evident in every corner of The Captain’s Room. His love for cooking, cultivated from childhood watching WTTW Chicago Channel 11’s culinary icons such as Julia Child, Geoff Smith, and Cajun Chef Justin Wilson, has evolved through global travels and his interactions and collaborations with some of the world’s most respected chefs, including Nancy Silverton of Mozza in Los Angeles, Emilio Gravas of Emilio’s in Chicago, and Emeril Lagasse in New Orleans. These experiences, combined with his diverse heritage, have shaped an eclectic culinary style that blends flavors from his Armenian and Russian roots with Mediterranean, Spanish, Italian, and French influences, always focusing on the artful simplicity of dishes that celebrate authentic, robust flavors.
Meanwhile, Kristen Demirdjian, a corporate staffing executive with Aerotek for over 25 years, used her refined taste and leadership expertise to lead the 18-month transformation of the historic space into a venue that seamlessly blends its Art Deco origins with modern luxury. With a background in economics from the University of Iowa and a reputation as an expert in her field, Kristen applied her eye for design and operational excellence to bring The Captain’s Room to life. Her attention to detail and unwavering commitment to creating memorable experiences have set the stage for a venue that redefines private event hosting in Chicagoland.
Adding to its allure, The Captain’s Room features a beautifully transformed wine cellar “vault”—a private sanctuary showcasing the world’s most coveted wines. The space is overseen by Erin Anne Flanagan, an 18-year Napa Valley veteran and certified sommelier, who curates exclusive wine experiences designed to elevate every gathering. Flanagan’s vast knowledge, refined palate, and passion for pairing fine wines with exquisite cuisine bring the sophistication of Napa to the Midwest, making The Captain’s Room a true destination for wine enthusiasts.
“From the amazing food to the beautiful décor and your entire family working to make it such a delightful night, we thank you sincerely. So many of the people in the room are very loyal and supportive of our brands, and they will now be fans of The Captain’s Room FOR LIFE!,” said Austin Johnson, Director of Sales and Marketing Operations at Dakota Shy Wines in St. Helena, California, one of Napa Valley’s most exclusive vineyards. The Captain’s Room has already garnered attention from both local and national wine enthusiasts for its curated wine offerings and fine dining experiences, positioning itself as a premier destination for private events.
With a maximum occupancy of 50 guests, The Captain’s Room is perfectly suited for intimate gatherings of 75-100 over a 4-5 hour event, private parties, corporate events, and exclusive social club dinners. The venue offers flexible configurations, a professional team, and a fully equipped commercial kitchen, ensuring that every event is executed with the highest standards of precision and sophistication.
For more information or to book your next unforgettable event, visit www.captainsroom.com email getmine@captaindemos.com, or call 630-624-5646 to speak directly with the Captain himself. Follow us on social media for updates and upcoming events, and discover why The Captain’s Room is quickly becoming Chicagoland’s most talked-about venue for private dining and luxury events.
About The Captain’s Room:
The Captain’s Room is a meticulously restored Art Deco gem located in the heart of Villa Park, Illinois. Designed to evoke the charm and mystique of 1920s speakeasies, The Captain’s Room blends historical elegance with modern amenities to offer an elevated private dining and event experience. From curated wine tastings and chef-led culinary events to corporate gatherings and private celebrations, The Captain’s Room offers a bespoke experience like no other. Visit (http://www.captainsroom.com) for more information.
Media Contact:
John Paul Demirdjian
Owner & Chef
Phone: 630-343-9093
Email: getmine@captaindemos.com
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