Adam Evans Is IN at Brezza Cucina, Jonathan Waxman's Ponce City Market Restaurant

Adam Evans, who left his post as executive chef at Ford Fry's The Optimist last month, has a new gig. Evans is on board as chef-partner at celebrity chef Jonathan Waxman's Ponce City Market venture, which will be called Brezza Cucina. The Italian restaurant, connected to Williams-Sonoma in the Central Food Hall, should open by mid-October.

"My goal was to bring an experienced Atlanta chef on board for this venture," Waxman said in a prepared statement. "With a wealth of culinary knowledge, proven leadership ability and an inherent passion that guests look for, Adam was a perfect fit for my team."

Evans ran the kitchen at The Optimist since it opened in Westside in 2012, and his previous experience includes Fry's JCT. Kitchen & Bar, Tom Colicchio's Craft, and the Ralph Brennan Restaurant Group in New Orleans. Considering the chef's background, don't be surprised to see a healthy selection of seafood on the Brezza menu.

"I'm looking forward to this next step in my career through a partnership with Jonathan and [restaurateur Howard Greenstone]," Evans said. "Ponce City Market is quickly becoming a culinary destination and Atlanta gathering place, and I'm excited to be a part of the development."

After Evans left The Optimist, chef Wesley True replaced him following a short stint at The Spence. The Ponce City Market Central Food Hall is on track for a rolling launch this fall, and most of the restaurants and stalls should be in business by the end of October.