Bar Manager Matty Durgin Splits With Adrift

Two months ago, rum collector and tiki aficionado Matty Durgin was recruited from behind the bar at Madison Street to head the beverage program at Adrift, a much-anticipated tiki bar and restaurant opening on South Broadway. Durgin sat down with Eater back in February to discuss his excitement about the new place, but today he tells us that he and Adrift owners Jay Dedrick and Brent Kimball have parted ways. "It's basically a timing thing," Durgin said. "They were on a different schedule than me, but I wish them the best."

During his brief time as the Adrift bar manager, Durgin drafted a bar crew and crafted a cocktail menu with the help of tiki drink authority Martin Cate from Smuggler's Cove in San Francisco. He also played a heavy hand in bringing executive chef Wade Kirwan, previously of Vesta Dipping Grill and Encore on Colfax, on board with the concept. Dedrick and Kimball say there's no doubt that Durgin contributed a great deal to the restaurant, but that they'll continue to plug away and aim for an opening at the end of March. As for Durgin, he'll be guest bartending around town until he figures out his next move.

· All Adrift Coverage [EDen]