Tom Colicchio: Divorce Consommee

By JULIETTE ROSSANT The New York Times recently reported on the departure of three New York chefs from their long-time restaurants, but of the three Tom Colicchio had half-moved out of Gramercy Tavern several years ago, partially separating from partner Danny Meyer of Union Square Hospitality Group. Tom continued to co-habit, as it were, but he was living out of a new pad around the corner, Craft, which continued expanding into Craftbar, 'wichcraft, and finally Craftsteak 2: Still, the Meyer-Colicchio "marriage" had produced a child that neither wanted to lose. Both sensible adults, they came to a new arrangement and entered a new, limited relationship, so that Gramercy remained unharmed... Otherwise, the commercial relationship was ended, and Danny and Tom went on their commercially separate ways, joined at the hip, as it were, by Gramercy Tavern, shared walls and all. (Super Chef pp. 191-192) Why consummate the divorce now? The article cites no reason, but one can speculate. Perhaps Danny's buy-out of Tom's shares was contractual and dated from those renegotiations from a half-decade ago? Perhaps Danny made an offer Tom could not refuse? Perhaps their child was finally grown up enough to survive an irrevocable divorce, over what time had proven were continuing, irreconciable differences. Or perhaps Tom needed money to fund (or prop up) other ventures? After all, he just opened his seventh 'wichcraft in New York this month (seventh of nine). He has cloned Craft in Dallas and has scheduled a third for Los Angeles in 2007. So, while he seems to be raising cash by consulting for yet another golf course (see description of Kiawah Island consulting in Super Chef pp. 201-202) -- this time for Liberty National Golf Club, which The Wall Street Journal recently called "The Vanity Project for Golf Fanatics." One thing you can expect: Tom will have Liberty National's description of his dining facility changed soon. Right now, it reads: Liberty National is proud to announce its partnership with New York's premier restaurateur and Celebrity Chef Tom Colicchio of Craft and Gramercy Tavern. His newest creation will be one of the most sought after dining experiences in the world. Not only is this description over the top for any Top Chef; it is inaccurate -- as far as Gramercy Tavern is concerned. Previous articles: FOOD FLICKS: Tom Colicchio's Craftsteak NY Top Chef: Harold Dieterle Won Top Chef: Tom Colicchio CBS News Finds Comfort Food: Danny Meyer, Charlie Palmer Fast Company: Tom Colicchio's Dream Job Tom Colicchio: Craftsteak 2 Tom Colicchio Moves Craftbar Danny Meyer Moves Uptown with Bentel & Bentel Tom Colicchio: a-Kickin' and a-Copin' [Chefs & Branding - complete] Technorati Tags: superchefblog, Juliette Rossant, super chef, celebrities, chefs, food, restaurants, cooking, branding, cuisine, blogging, food blogging --> back to superchefblog