Chef at Brand New Hotspot The Americano Deserts Kitchen in First Week [UPDATED]

In an unprecedentedly quick departure, chef Edwin French decided he did not want to be the executive chef of newcomer The Americano — a mere three days after the opening. Despite being on the payroll for four months preparing for this week, French is out. Perhaps it was the pressure of highly-anticipated opening, but staff reports he was showing apprehension before the doors opened on Monday. The chef came highly recommended from culinary recruiter Louis Yuhasz, but, it turns out, French wasn't right for the job.

Co-owner John Adamson says he now realizes French was an improper match for the high-volume Latin-influenced restaurant. "I have complete confidence that the kitchen staff we have in place will be able to thoroughly execute The Americano menu without Edwin." Chefs Brannon Florie (The Rarebit, On Forty-One), Dave Perry, and jimmihatt (Guerrilla Cuisine) will lend a hand in the interim. Adamson notes that all restaurant openings have hiccups, and though this may seem like a large one, he believes that guests will still have an enjoyable experience at the new Mount Pleasant eatery. Initial reviews are stellar, and Adamson tells us that French was only there two out of the three days of the opening week.

Adamson and his team are actively on the search for a replacement.

Update: Eater Charleston got in touch with French, and he agrees that it wasn't a correct match. He cites health concerns for his abrupt departure.