Monday, April 22, 2013

Award-Winning Mixologist Josh Pearson Leaves Sepia For Hot New River North Project

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Josh Pearson (Photo courtesy of Josh Pearson)

Josh Pearson is one of Chicago's most celebrated bartenders, and after more than four years behind the stick at Sepia, he's ready to move on. This is his last week at the upscale West Loop eatery.

"(It was a) totally amicable split," he told 312DD exclusively over the weekend. "I'm going to a new bar in River North."

In his new role, which officially starts May 1, he'll serve as co-beverage director and head bartender. He wouldn't disclose any additional information, but with a little digging I found out that he'll be working for this planned tri-level lounge that was once home to Swirl Wine Bar.

That Eater Chicago article from 2011 stated that the team behind Bangers & Lace also owns that project. This is apparently not true, according to partner Matt Eisler. The people who own the River North spot are completely different.

When I reached out to Eisler he insisted that "a project on Randolph is the only thing that's for sure, and that one's still subject to licensing, permits, etc. Things have been moving very slowly. We haven't even started construction yet."

So it will be interesting to hear exactly what Pearson has to say about his part in the River North project when he makes an announcement on May 1.

Stay tuned . . .

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