Ivan Ho:
CLASS OF 1983
Glenbrook South High SchoolClass of 1983
Glenview, IL
University of MiamiClass of 1989
Coral gables, FL
Springman Junior High SchoolClass of 1979
Glenview, IL
Westbrook Elementary SchoolClass of 1977
Glenview, IL
Ivan's Story
Life
Right after GBS, our family moved to Miami Beach where I attended the University of Miami, and graduated in '89. (Took 2 years off to help start our new family business of QSR Quick Service Restaurants) Our first concept was Chinese Cafe, which opened in April '87 at Bayside Marketplace in downtown Miami. Since then, we have grown to 7 different concepts with over 300 locations in 28 States, and 8 Countries. We're still a privately held company and have had offers to go public. Our biggest name is KellyÂs Cajun Grill (Bourbon Chicken), which we currently franchise worldwide to Host Marriott, Food Brand, The Mills Corp. etc. Some locations near home (when we were young) are located in Gurnee Mills, Hawthorne Center, Northbrook Court, Randhurst, and Union Station. Currently, I'm developing my own line of FSR (Full Service Restaurants) themed Argentinean/Italian called Argentango Grill. I opened my first one in Hollywood, Florida July '02. My 2nd location opened in June Â0 located in Coral Gables and I have another one opening late 2005 in the Design District of Miami. My sister and her husband also opened one at 5 W. Jackson, in trendy Downtown Naperville. (argentangogrill com)
For fun, I started the Florida Chapter of the Dodge Viper Club of America in 1995. (viperclubsfl org)I have over 175 members and our monthly events range from racing, to dinners, overnight cruises, to BBQs at different members homes. I own 3 Vipers and have met some pretty interesting people through the Viper Club some of which have become my very good friends. I race my '96 Viper GTS and have raced: Las Vegas Speedway, Texas Motor Speedway, Nashville Speedway, St. Louis Motor Speedway, Road Atlanta, Sebring, Moroso, and Homestead Motorsports Complex. We have a website with many photos of what we do every month.
Besides my 3 Vipers, other guy things I own wh...Expand for more
ich may be of interest include a Silver Â01 Mercedes S500, White SL500, a Black 1990 Ford Mustang Notchback 5.0, a Blacked-Out 2005 Ford F-250 Harley Davidson Diesel 4x4, and a Black 2003 Custom Harley Fatboy. (Who says I've reached Mid-Life Chrisis?)
Besides going to GoldÂs South Beach, I enjoy a healthy and disciplined lifestyle. Thank God for genetics!
A highlight in the last few years has to be when I saw my old Counselor from GBS. You see, in the last 3 years, I have been in contact with Mr. Robert Simmons and have been inviting him down to visit me. Well, he and his lovely wife finally did and took me up on my offer and in May Â03, I flew them down from O'hare to Miami. I put them up at the Loews Hotel, South Beach and needless to say, they had a great time. I feel I'm the one who had a better time. You see, Mr. Simmons is a man who believed in me, motivated me to try harder. I know I wasnÂt an idiot, I just didnÂt feel like studying, period. He went beyond the call of duty for a counselor, and this trip was the 1 thing I wanted to do for a long time to show him my appreciation. They brought down a gift for my family: a framed photo, taken 20 years ago..........Y I K E S!
I have 2 DDG (Drop Dead Gorgeous) boys, Lawton, 11 and Prescott, 8.
If there is anything I've learned since High School, it's to be humble, because the moment you think you know something, you donÂt know anything at all.
Some advice I'd give myself 20 years ago...Be secure in yourself and riches arenÂt measured in dollars and cents; itÂs something much more: the loved ones next to you. I hope each and every one of you in my Class of Â83 has had their lives filled with many riches. I hope all of you are successful and happy with life.
If any of you every stop by Miami, send me an email. I'd love to take you out to dinner. ivanrho aol com
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