At The Paramount Group, sustainability and innovation aren’t trends, they’re core to how we lead. This month, our Founder and CEO, Jodi Fyfe, was recognized by both Crain’s Chicago Business and the Chicago Titan 100, honoring her continued work to build a more thoughtful, people-driven approach to hospitality.
Recognized for Sustainable Leadership
Jodi was named one of Crain’s Chicago Business 2025 Notable Leaders in Sustainability and a 2026 Chicago Titan 100 honoree, two distinctions that celebrate forward-thinking leaders driving measurable environmental and community impact.
These honors reflect her ongoing commitment to redefining what responsible hospitality can look like — balancing operational excellence with a deep respect for people, planet, and place.
“In today’s business landscape, leadership demands a sense of responsibility to our team, our community, and the city we call home,” said Fyfe. “These honors reflect the shared commitment of an extraordinary group of people here at The Paramount Group, working together to build a more resilient and purpose-driven future for hospitality.”
Turning Values into Action
Under Jodi’s leadership, The Paramount Group has continued to expand its sustainability initiatives across all areas of operation.
Since the opening of our 40,000-square-foot Avondale campus in 2022, our team has worked to unite large-scale production, restaurant innovation, and sustainable growing practices under one roof. The space is home to our flagship restaurant Eden, our urban micro-farm and greenhouse, and a commissary kitchen that supports large-scale catering across the city.
Together, these efforts have created measurable progress in reducing waste, supporting local sourcing, and strengthening community partnerships. To date, The Paramount Group has:
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Diverted more than 274,000 pounds of compostable material from landfills
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Offset 20,900+ pounds of CO₂ emissions and 12,331 gallons of gasoline through local sourcing and waste mitigation
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Donated 6,785 pounds of food, providing over 5,600 meals to Chicago residents
Partnerships with WasteNot and Copia have allowed us to recover and redistribute food efficiently, compost organic waste, and even repurpose cooking oil — helping us move closer to a circular, low-waste ecosystem that benefits both people and the planet.
Championing a More Sustainable Industry
Beyond The Paramount Group, Jodi’s leadership extends to the broader hospitality community. She serves on the Board of Directors for Green City Market and The Evolved Network, and contributes to the Illinois Restaurant Association Advisory Council, advocating for sustainable practices and workforce well-being across the industry.
These efforts reflect the same philosophy that guides every Paramount business, from Eden’s hyperlocal menus to FuelGood’s wellness-focused offerings and Lake Street Staffing’s commitment to equity and opportunity.
A Vision Rooted in Responsibility
Jodi’s recognition as a 2026 Chicago Titan 100 honoree, presented by Wipfli LLP, further highlights her influence as a leader whose impact extends beyond business success.
Over more than three decades in hospitality, she’s built a collective that now includes over 500 team members across events, dining, staffing, and wellness — all connected by a shared purpose: to redefine hospitality through purpose, sustainability, and care.
Her leadership has set a new standard for what’s possible in modern hospitality; proving that sustainability and innovation can work hand in hand to strengthen both community and culture.
Looking Ahead
As The Paramount Group continues to grow, so does our commitment to sustainability, local sourcing, and mindful operations. These recognitions are not the finish line; they’re a reflection of the values that guide every decision we make.
We’re proud to see Jodi’s vision recognized on such respected platforms and even prouder of the collective effort that drives our mission forward each day.
To learn more about our sustainability initiatives and how we’re building a more responsible future for hospitality, visit our Sustainability page.