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.