Chef Shuffles: Promotions at Magnolias and The Park Cafe

Two executive chefs vacated their positions this week, leaving room for internal candidates to move up.

At Southern institution Magnolias, Donald Drake stepped into the title of Culinary Arts Director, while chef de cuisine Kelly Franz was appointed the new executive chef. Franz has been at the kitchen at Magnolias since 2003. Franz now has the task of leading the kitchen at the 25-year-old restaurant.

Across town from Magnolias, executive chef John Amato exited The Park Cafe, leaving space for chef de cuisine Blair Machado to move up. Machado joined The Park Cafe kitchen at the opening of the restaurant. He plans to keep patron favorites, like the egg sandwich and avocado toasts, but will add some of his own additions to the menu.