Analogue Promotes Sous Chef & Vows To Maintain Cajun Vibe Despite Departures

After the departures of the restaurant's two co-founders and chef, many speculated on the future surrounding Analogue. But GM Scott Crawford wants put all of that to rest, as ownership has promoted sous chef Dani Kaplan to head of the kitchen. Meanwhile, Spencer Rutledge will take over as bar manager.

Ownership remains intact, Crawford stressed. Kaplan will slowly roll out small menu changes to reflect her style versus exiting chef Alfredo Nogueira.

"As a whole it will remain very familiar, and we're not crazy enough to drop the favorites," Crawford said. "There will be gumbo."

The reasons for the trio's departures remain unknown. Henry Prendergast and Robert Haynes co-founded Analogue three years ago. Like those two, Rutledge comes over from famed Wicker Park cocktail lounge The Violet Hour, which suits him well in his new role.

Kaplan was over-qualified as sous chef, Crawford said, and she's worked with Nogueira since opening day. Prendergast and Haynes walked away but kept a small piece of equity in the restaurant. Crawford praised them as leaders.

"It's like when key cast members leave 'SNL' and it seems certain that the show can never be as good," he said. "But before you know it you're laughing your ass off again."

Check out a Facebook post from management explaining the situation below.