The Kitchen GM Exits; Chef Shifts at Old Major; More

Change is in the air for some restaurants around town, with several exits and additions recently taking place. The Kitchen's executive general manager, Kate Kaufman, is moving on after eight years with the restaurant group. "I am spending time with the family and having a break," Kaufman says. "I am still and always will be very much part of the [Kitchen] family." No news yet on who will be her successor. Kaufman started working at the original eatery in 2006 in Boulder and has since opened the downtown Denver location and the Fort Collins outpost.

Last week, Old Major parted ways with chef de cuisine Galen Kennemer, who had been with the LoHi eatery since its opening in February 2013. Co-owner Juan Padro shed some light on the decision, which was made "with the heaviest of hearts," stating, "To the best of my knowledge, it really just came down to a difference of opinion in management styles. It had nothing to do with effort or commitment or quality of work." Following the departure, sous chef Kona Bobek has been promoted to chef de cuisine, with Chris Lin moving into the sous role. Lin came to Denver from NYC, where he worked under David Chang of the famed Momofuku empire.

Also, as Mercantile Dining & Provision prepares to open on September 8, the Union Station concept from chef-owner Alex Seidel has picked up Jim Soulier, an industry veteran. Soulier most recently spent time at Rioja. In addition, his resume includes stints at Chicago's Alinea and Charlie Trotter's.

Chef Lucas Chandler, who was set to join the team at upcoming West Highland spot Brazen, will remain at Cafe Bar. Chandler left his role as chef de cuisine at Il Posto late last year to work with longtime friend and fellow Il Posto alum Jeffrey Webb at Cafe Bar.

· High Power: The General Manager, Restaurateur, Food Editor, And Chef: Denver Moms Who Rule [EDen]
· Mercantile Dining & Provisions To Open On September 8 [EDen]
· Cafe Bar Lands Former Il Posto's Kitchen Crew [EDen]