Anna Kamilis: Building Chicago Hospitality from the Ground Up

Anna Kamilis: Building Chicago Hospitality from the Ground Up

Anna Kamilis thrives where the pace is fast, the stakes are high, and every detail matters. A Chicago South Side native, she has spent over 25 years immersed in hospitality—from working in her family's restaurants to leading sales and events for some of the city's most respected dining groups. Her career reflects a deep understanding of what makes a dining experience memorable: consistency, connection, and care.

Today, Anna is the founder of The Outpost Mexican Eatery and a managing partner at SOMOS Hospitality Group, home to acclaimed restaurants UMMO and Tzuco. Her work bridges two worlds—building a fast-casual concept rooted in everyday accessibility, while also curating high-level hospitality experiences for large-scale events across Chicago.

Her journey through the industry includes leadership roles and experience with names such as Gibsons, José Andrés, One Off Hospitality, and Cornerstone. But The Outpost is her most personal project. What began as a simple family connection—her brother's love of tacos—evolved into a restaurant concept focused on one idea: delivering the perfect everyday taco, made with care and intention.

Just weeks after opening the first location, the pandemic brought unexpected challenges. Rather than pause, Anna pivoted quickly—launching delivery, family meal programs, pop-ups, and virtual cooking experiences to stay connected to the community. In the midst of uncertainty, she expanded the concept, opening a second location during the pandemic and building long-term momentum that continues today.

Beyond restaurant operations, Anna plays a key role in shaping events through SOMOS Hospitality Group, overseeing high-volume programs that highlight Chicago's dynamic culinary scene. Her leadership style blends precision with empathy, with a strong focus on team development and opportunity-building.

At the core of her work is a commitment to people—her team, her customers, and her community. She actively supports women's shelters, DuPage Pads, local schools, and Dress for Success, reflecting a belief that hospitality extends far beyond restaurant walls.

For Anna, Chicago is more than a backdrop—it's the foundation. Its energy, diversity, and culinary excellence continue to inspire her work. As she puts it, "We have the best culinary scene in the country; I'm honored to be part of it."