6. Building Boka: Kevin Boehm on Restaurants, Resilience, and Real Talk

DIBS presented by Chicago History

We’ve got DIBS on Kevin Boehm, cofounder of Boka Restaurant Group and 2019 James Beard Award winner for Outstanding Restaurateur. Kevin opens up about his unconventional journey from living in a van and launching a 6-table restaurant in Florida to becoming one of the most respected names in hospitality. He shares:

• The origin story of Boka Restaurant Group and its “chef partner” model
• Why hospitality and mental health matter just as much as food
• How the pandemic reshaped his leadership and inspired his upcoming book, "The Bottomless Cup", out in Fall 2025
• His personal transformation—including going alcohol-free, therapy, and building Beyond, a holistic wellness club in Chicago
• And yes, we talk pizza (and his new spot, Zarella, opening soon in Chicago!)

We also catch up with friend of the show Steve Dolinsky, Chicago’s pizza authority and former NBC/ABC7 food reporter, to talk about his new gig at Levy and the return of Pizza City Fest Chicago. From the $26 GA ticket to the $125 VIP experience, Steve walks us through everything you need to know about the ultimate pizza weekend happening August 22–24, including fresh pies made onsite, a pizza box folding competition, and a killer music lineup (Hello, Trippin’ Billies and Sixteen Candles!). Additionally, we learn about the fest’s charitable partner, Donate Pizza, and why Chicago's diverse pizza styles—tavern, deep dish, stuffed, and pan—deserve more recognition on the national stage.

Don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you listen. Share this episode with your fellow sneakerheads and Chicago lovers!

Follow Us:

• Instagram: @chicago_history
• Facebook: Chicago History