Chef Shuffle

Is Mado Dead?

Do we say goodbye?
Do we say goodbye?

For the second time in a month, the executive chef at Mado has left with all of the kitchen staff. It’s doubtful that Mado can continue. Back in November, Rob and Allie Levitt abruptly left to open The Butcher and Larder. Brandon Baltzley was quickly brought in from Schwa, and completely changed the menu, adding more global influences. It was a hectic first few weeks, but he seemed to be settling in, and we honestly just took a look the new menu last week. But Eater broke the news that Baltzley just walked out yesterday with his crew. So what happened?

Apparently Mado’s owner, David Richards, called Baltzley and told him to fire the entire kitchen staff because their costs were too high. Baltzley ran the numbers with his manager, and couldn’t see how that was possible. Then waiters told him that their paychecks had bounced, and food purveyors stopped delivering because the bills hadn’t been paid. Mado was not open last night. According to Eater, Baltzley and his crew will be doing a some underground dinners until they can find a new restaurant.

This is extremely sad news for the Bucktown restaurant, which back in 2009 was voted one of the ten best new restaurants in the country by Bon Appetit.

Brandon Baltzley and Team Leaving Mado Over Money Issues [Eater]

Is Mado Dead?