Kelley McCann is leaving his home for the last 10 years, Galatoire’s Bistro in the Acadian Village Shopping Center, later this summer to lead a soon-to-be-announced venture, the company announced today in a news release.
McCann started at Galatoire’s as a back waiter before eventually moving up to sous chef, a position he held for three years, before being named executive chef of the Baton Rouge bistro about four years ago.
“It has been an incredible experience managing one of Baton Rouge’s busiest kitchens, and I know that this restaurant is going to continue doing great things,” McCann says in a statement.
McCann will be in the ownership group for the new venture.
Galatoire’s President Melvin Rodrigue says the company has already begun the search for a new executive chef.
“Kelley has been a part of the Galatoire’s family in Baton Rouge from our inception more than 10 years ago,” Rodrigue says in a statement. “We are extremely excited for him and proud to see him achieve a new dream through this ownership venture. He will be greatly missed, but we look forward to seeing his next chapter unfold.”
Over the last several years, McCann has flown the Galatoire’s flag across the country while cooking at prestigious locales and hosting specialty dinners.
He worked for two years in the exclusive Berckmans Place restaurant inside the famed Augusta National Golf Course for the annual Masters tournament, serving New Orleans and Southern soul food specialties to attendees. And in 2014, he teamed with the original Galatoire’s and Galatoire’s 33 Bar & Steak executive chef Michael Sichel to bring a taste of Louisiana to the James Beard House in New York City.
