Chef Shuffles

A widespread rumor Fact: Josh Hopkins will helm Empire State South when Ryan Smith leaves the restaurant at the end of August. Smith will be spearheading Staplehouse, the supper club-turned-restaurant that will send all of its post-tax and -payroll proceeds to the Giving Kitchen. Most recently, Hopkins took over at White Oak Kitchen & Cocktails; he's worked previously at Abattoir, Bacchanalia, and STG Trattoria. [EaterWire]