Three Chef Changes to Know About at Atlanta Restaurants

KROG STREET MARKET: Daniel Chance stepped down recently from the executive chef position at Watchman’s Seafood and Spirits to attend to family matters. But, owner Bryan Rackley says the restaurant is in good hands and making a smooth transition under the direction of Trey Rayburn (Kimball House, C. Ellet’s Steakhouse) and his sous team of Jacob Armando and Brad Mess (Kimball House). All three chefs were on the opening team for Watchman’s and plan to make only “subtle changes” to the menu. Rackley also expects the menu to change more frequently. Chance is currently involved in a few dinner events around Atlanta and doing consulting work for Serenbe, a planned community south of Atlanta in Palmetto, Georgia.

DECATUR: Chef Adam Waller left Empire State South in late March and is back with the 10 Apart restaurant group as the culinary director for the Pinewood in Decatur and the Mercury at Ponce City Market. Waller, whose previous work includes Bocado, was the chef for the group’s Buckhead-based Italian restaurant Bar Americano. That restaurant closed after only six months last April. Eater Atlanta reached out to inquire about the new chef leading the kitchen at Empire State South.

REYNOLDSTOWN: After departing the kitchen at 8ARM for Golden Eagle in early March, chef Keith Remes is making some menu changes to the Memorial Drive diners club. This includes the addition of his much loved whole Branzino with tarragon and carrot puree and baked Sapelo Island clams with creamed spinach, topped with bacon, sumac, breadcrumbs, and edible flowers. Chicomecóatl pop-up chef and 2018 Eater Award winner Maricela Vega took over for Remes at 8ARM in late March.