ROAM Real Estate Inc.

It’s a big day for Chicago restaurants, hospitality, and The Loop!

Today marks the opening of Mariela inside the historic Reliance Building, home to Staypineapple ChiStaypineapple Chicago, An Iconic Hotel, The Loopcago, An Iconic Hotel, The Loophicago — another strong signal of the continued energy, investment, and evolution happening across Chicago’s hospitality scene.
Recent coverage from Crain's Chicago Business further highlights the momentum surrounding both the project and the continued resurgence of hospitality investment and restaurant activity in downtown Chicago.

As members of the Illinois Restaurant Association and Illinois Hotel & Lodging Association, we care deeply about the continued growth and long-term success of Chicago’s restaurant and hospitality industries — and the role thoughtful real estate strategy plays in supporting that momentum.

At ROAM Real Estate Inc. this is exactly the kind of work we’re passionate about being part of: helping hospitality brands, restaurants, and experience-driven concepts align with the right space, in the right location, at the right moment.

I was proud to represent Staypineapple in the lease of the former Atwood Café space, which will now become home to Mariela from the acclaimed team behind Mirra, led by Chef Zubair Mohajir and Chef Rishi Kumar.

Hospitality real estate is different. The best deals are not just about filling space — they are about understanding brand identity, guest experience, neighborhood dynamics, operations, timing, and long-term vision.

That intersection of hospitality, creativity, and real estate strategy is where Chicago continues to stand apart.

The Loop is evolving. Chicago’s restaurant industry continues to push forward. And projects like this are a reminder of what can happen when thoughtful operators and meaningful spaces come together.

Grateful to be part of work that sits at the intersection of restaurants, hospitality, and real estate — and to help bring meaningful hospitality concepts into spaces that shape the city.

https://www.chicagobusiness.com/restaurants/ccb-mirra-team-opening-mariela-20260402/

One of the finest - by

I’m Lia Caton, Founder and Managing Broker of .
When I founded ROAM, I did it to redefine the standard of a traditional brokerage. I realized early on that the old model didn’t fit the way I work—because for me, it has always been about the relationship, never just the transaction.
My work is driven by a love for the spaces that define our culture: the energy of a great restaurant, the rhythm of a neighborhood’s music and soul, and the quiet sophistication of a luxury home. To me, a location isn’t just a line item; it’s the stage where a dream becomes a reality.
It’s about:
✨ Redefining the Search – Moving beyond square footage to find spaces that support your lifestyle or your brand’s soul.
✨ Recognizing the Dream – Helping you find the right place to land—from curated luxury residences to the next iconic storefront.
✨ Celebrating Community – Supporting the hospitality, culture, and homes that provide the backdrop for our lives.
Our restaurants, boutique hotels, and homes are the places where we gather and celebrate; they are essential to the fabric of our communities. I’m here to help you find the right place to land and understand how that space supports what comes next.
We are more than a brokerage; we are a full lifestyle brand. Helping you find a home—for your life or your business—is why ROAM was built.
📍 Chicago | Nashville

Blending Business & Creativity

When I founded , I wanted to build something that reflected who I am and how I work — a real estate brand rooted in relationships, creativity, and a genuine love for restaurants, hotels, and the spaces that shape how people experience a city.

That is why projects like this are especially meaningful to me.

I was honored to represent Staypineapple in the lease of the former Atwood Café space in Chicago’s Loop, located within the historic Reliance Building — an iconic Chicago landmark that will soon welcome Mariela from the team behind Mirra, led by Chef Zubair Mohajir, a multiple James Beard Award nominee, “Chopped” winner, and “Top Chef” contender, alongside Chef Rishi Kumar, the acclaimed chef behind Michelin-nominated Mirra.

This deal reflects so much of what I love most about this business: thoughtful real estate strategy, hospitality, vision, and helping the right concept find the right home.

If you have not experienced Mirra or Staypineapple, and with Mariela soon to come, they are absolutely worth knowing.

Excited to see this next chapter come to life in one of Chicago’s most iconic spaces.

mirra mariela

Blending Business & Creativity

When I founded ROAM Real Estate Inc., I wanted to build something that reflected who I am and how I work — a real estate brand rooted in relationships, creativity, and a genuine love for restaurants, hotels, and the spaces that shape how people experience a city.

That is why projects like this are especially meaningful to me.

I was honored to represent Staypineapple in the lease of the former Atwood Café space in Chicago’s Loop, located within the historic Reliance Building — an iconic Chicago landmark that will soon welcome Mariela from the team behind Mirra, led by Chef Zubair Mohajir, a multiple James Beard Award nominee, “Chopped” winner, and “Top Chef” contender, alongside Chef Rishi Kumar, the acclaimed chef behind Michelin-nominated Mirra.

This deal reflects so much of what I love most about this business: thoughtful real estate strategy, hospitality, vision, and helping the right concept find the right home.

If you have not experienced Mirra or Staypineapple, and with Mariela soon to come, they are absolutely worth knowing.

Excited to see this next chapter come to life in one of Chicago’s most iconic spaces.

https://chicago.suntimes.com/restaurants/2026/04/15/chef-zubair-mohajir-chicago-restaurants-mariela-mirra-coach-house-lilac-tiger

One of the most rewarding parts of brokerage is seeing a project move from behind the scenes to public recognition. Congratulations to our client, Staypineapple Chicago, An Iconic Hotel, The Loop, on Mariela being recognized among Eater Chicago’s most anticipated spring restaurant openings.
Opening in the historic former Atwood space, and coming from the team behind Mirra, led by chef Zubair Mohajir and Rishi Manoj Kumar, the concept marks an exciting next chapter for Staypineapple Chicago in the Loop. I look forward to seeing it come to life.

https://lnkd.in/gSMCmf3w

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