Staff implosion at the Oakroom?

[Robin Garr]

I have it on very good authority that Executive Chef Todd Richards, Chef Duane Nutter and mixologist Jerry Slater have all given notice at the Oakroom and that Todd and Duane will be heading back to Atlanta to go into business there.

Assuming this is correct - and I'm assured that it is - it suggests significant changes ahead for the Oakroom, where these guys have well and truly kicked things up a notch over the past few years.

Any of you have more info on this? Todd, Duane, Jerry ... you guys lurking? Can you tell us more?

I can confirm that this rumor is indeed true.

I can't speculate much on the immediate future of the Oakroom's management, as this has only transpired as of late last week.
Talk has been made of (both) possibilities of management staffing internally and/or outsourcing, so this remains an issue very much "up in the air" with our hotel management.

I will try to keep you all informed as details are ironed out regarding specifics once they are 100% finalized.




I can assure you though, until new management is named; that there will be no lapses in the Oakroom regarding our standards of quality, direction, and excellence in the interim

The kitchen and front of the house staffs take pride in being able to execute to the same exacting standards of excellence instilled by that of Richards, Nutter and Slater, whether they are are in house or not. We've all being trained and mentored incredibly well by these guys and the entire staff remains confident in our own personal abilities to excel and uphold the highest caliber food and service.

As it stands now, a new menu is in the works (written by Richards and Nutter), and will continue in the same thought provoking, forward-thinking manner as previous menus have illustrated.

I have it on very good authority that Executive Chef Todd Richards, Chef Duane Nutter and mixologist Jerry Slater have all given notice at the Oakroom and that Todd and Duane will be heading back to Atlanta to go into business there.

Assuming this is correct - and I'm assured that it is - it suggests significant changes ahead for the Oakroom, where these guys have well and truly kicked things up a notch over the past few years.

Any of you have more info on this? Todd, Duane, Jerry ... you guys lurking? Can you tell us more?

That's a bummer. I was still planning my Oakroom excursion to have the Richards experience. What a shame for Louisville dining.

[Robin Garr]

I can assure you though, until new management is named; that there will be no lapses in the Oakroom regarding our standards of quality, direction, and excellence in the interim

Thanks, Ethan.

For perspective, it's probably worth noting that there was abundant wailing and gnashing of teeth about the end of the Oakroom as we knew it at the time that Chefs Gerhardt and Cunha left, and there was similar shock and awe when Chef Walter Leffler left. As long as management remains committed to the investment and commitment needed to run a creative, five-diamond shop, they can make it happen.

But geez, we're going to miss those guys.

Sorry Folks,

THAT SUCKS!!!!!!! I love Todd, he has always been a gentlemen, and a friend, and we are losing a really good guy.
Not to mention what it will do for the Oakroom. However, our loss will be someone else's gain.
I am sure Todd and Duane will Rock Atlanta like they rocked us here in the Ville!

Sorry Ethan!

Those are big chef coats to fill...

Very best of luck to you guys.

Official story posted on the Courier-Journal website:

Seelbach's top chefs and restaurant director Atlanta-bound

International concourse at Hartsfield? That's an odd gig.

especially post-security in hopes of catching lay-over patrons. They must know something we don't... (there's gold in them thar layovers...)

I hope Atlanta works out for them. Working for yourself > working for someone else.Can't say I've eaten their food but they are stand up guys from the few times I've met them at my previous employment.