Adrian Villarreal and Spencer Bennett Are Out at The Spence

The Spence, Top Chef alum and Atlanta expat Richard Blais' Midtown restaurant, is losing two members from the back-of-house staff. Chef Adrian Villarreal, who has been on board since 2012, is leaving to open his own restaurant. Sous chef Spencer Bennett is moving to San Diego to join Blais at his newest venture, Juniper & Ivy.

PR for Concentrics Restaurants, which operates The Spence and Juniper & Ivy, confirmed the moves.

Departure dates for Villarreal and Bennett have not yet been determined. Executive sous chef Kyle Forson is still cooking at The Spence, but no decision has been made regarding the kitchen's leadership going forward.