Lawyer Ken McClain wasn't very happy when Marshall Roth, the executive corporate chef over his Independence restaurants (Ophelia's, Square Pizza, Cafe Verona), jumped ship earlier this year to open a hot dog restaurant in downtown Kansas City. In fact, he's suing ex-employees Roth and Harry Blasco over Dog Nuvo.
Today comes another high-profile defection from the McClain restaurants: Nick Jonjevic, the executive chef at Ophelia's Restaurant on Independence Square, gave his notice in order to work for caterer Renee Kelly, the chef-owner of Renee Kelly's Caenen Castle in Shawnee. Jonjevic starts his new job in December.
December also happens to be one of the busiest month for Kelly's catering business.
"He's jumping in headfirst," Kelly tells me. "But isn't it better that way?"
For nearly seven years, Kelly has been running her catering business in a historic Shawnee home. "I'll continue to be the executive chef and the owner," she says, "but there are other things in my life that I want to concentrate on and I can't leave just anyone in my kitchen. Nick is amazingly talented. He brings a lot to the table."
Kelly says she's focusing a new concept working with local farmers and seasonal fare. "I'll be teaching more cooking classes," she says, "and writing more articles."
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