Arik Markus Departs From Zeal, Plans New Restaurant

In a website post entitled "Embrace Change," dated today but uploaded yesterday, Boulder's Zeal, Food For Enthusiasts announced the departure of chef Arik Markus.

Every new restaurant has growing pains. Zeal is no different. This week we said goodbye to our inaugural Chef Arik Markus. We'd like to thank Chef for laying a beautiful foundation, and wish him luck in his future endeavors. We'd also like to congratulate Sean Smith on a well-deserved promotion to Executive Chef here at Zeal. Onward and upward!

Markus, who has been with the restaurant since its inception, posted this on his Facebook page:

I'm so proud of having been part of building and bringing Zeal - Food for Enthusiasts to life in Boulder over these last 17 months. Lots of hard work paid off with a thriving restaurant, thankfully so well received by our community. The amazing reception is a testament to the efforts of the entire team, and everyone involved should be proud. I'm equally proud that I accomplished what I set out to do by opening an award-winning restaurant committed to serving delicious, clean, organic food. And, now, onward; I'm even more excited about what the future holds for me and know big things are happening. Thanks to everyone for your love and support, and stay tuned!

What is next for the chef who has also worked in the kitchen at Frasca Food & Wine and Row 14? A restaurant that he can finally call his own. "I have been working on a lot of ideas and concepts over the years and all my work as a chef has finally given me clarity on what I want to do," Markus said. "I believe in the values of preparing food that is fresh, organic, and GMO-free. What I accomplished at Zeal was prove that it is possible to make a profitable business by preparing food that respects those values. It is time for me to have a place of my own. Boulder remains my focus but I am also considering Denver as a possible location," Markus revealed.

· Zeal, Food For Enthusiasts [Official Website]
· Zeal - Food For Enthusiasts Opened In Boulder [EDen]