Goodbye (but Not for Good) to The Way Back

It’s been a busy year for Chad Michael George, Kade Gianinetti and Jared Schwartz: opening American Grind in Avanti Food & Beverage, announcing a new concept – Wayward – taking over Zengo’s former address, and now the surprise relocation of the hipster watering hole and hot spot, The Way Back to Tennyson Street. The current Berkley location at 4132 West 38th Avenue will operate through August 6, with the goal of reemerging on the culinary scene by early 2018. Though the new address has yet-to-been revealed, the trio of area restaurateurs say it will live in the heart of the art district.

Originally launched in early 2016 as a swanky cocktail bar, a series of standout plates were subtly added to the lineup of artistic adult beverages. The new space will allow the imaginative food and beverage menus with unpredictable ingredients to shine independently and collectively, rather than one overpower the other.

The move will also give The Way Back increased foot traffic, a more spacious dining room, and – perhaps the pièce de résistance – a real kitchen under the purview of chefs Marcus Eng and Samuel Charles. The back-of-house talent has been cooking out of a food truck parked behind the eatery for more than a year. Though little was revealed about the evolution (or lack thereof) of the menu, it is expected that The Way Back will continue to feature sensibly sourced ingredients stemming from warm relationships with local farmers and purveyors. Pastry Chef Maya Tull-Thompson will continue baking while Rachel Wilson (formerly of Rosenberg’s Bagels & Delicatessen) will serve as general manager.

Meanwhile, Wayward is expected to open in about three weeks at 1610 Little Raven.

To celebrate the last day of business at the West 38th location before the restaurant and bar temporarily shutter, The Way Back will host a going-away (but not for good) taco party from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday, August 6.