Longtime Executive Chef Colin Lynch Leaves BL Gruppo

Chef Michele Carter who is taking over at Executive Chef for the BL Gruppo’s restaurant division. Photo via the BL Gruppo

In a surprising bit of news, the Barbara Lynch Gruppo has announced 12-year veteran Colin Lynch is stepping down as executive chef for the Gruppo’s restaurant division in order to open his own restaurant. Replacing him will be Michele Carter, who has been with the Gruppo since 2008, most recently as the chef de cuisine at The Butcher Shop.

“I have long admired chef Michele’s talent and work ethic,” said Barbara Lynch via a press release. “She is a natural leader in the kitchen and will be a brilliant executive chef for our group, serving as both a resource and mentor for our chef de cuisines, and an important contributor to the continued growth and evolution of our company.”

Carter succeeds Lynch, who joined the Gruppo in 2001 and, as executive chef, helped lead the company through three restaurant openings: Sportello, Drink, and Menton. Under his direction, Menton was named Best New Restaurant by Bon Appétit, GQ, and Esquire. During that time, Lynch was also named a 2011 James Beard Foundation Awards finalist for Best New Restaurant.

“It’s been a hell of a ride,” says Lynch via a press release. “From my first position as an intern in 2001 at No. 9 Park, to my last night on NYE at No. 9 Park in 2014, I can honestly say that everything that I have learned about this industry, this city, my career, and cuisine has all happened while I was a part of the Gruppo. After so many years with the company it’s time to venture out and I’m excited to be partnering with some incredibly talented people.”

There’s no word yet on what Lynch’s next venture will be, but stay tuned for more details.