What the Heck Is Kevin Sbraga Doing in Memphis, Tennessee?

After closing the last of his Philly restaurants, our city's first Top Chef winner makes his way to the American South.

Kevin Sbraga closing his two Philly restaurants was sad news. His eponymous flagship at the Symphony House became somewhat of a Philly classic in its five-year run, and University City’s Fat Ham was virtually the city’s only real stand-out Southern ambassador.

But in the book of Philly restaurants, Sbraga’s pages were suddenly torn out (though, Fat Ham in King of Prussia is still open), and we were left scratching our heads. He promised Philly Mag that he’d return, that Fat Ham would reopen and that he’d open another concept, but oftentimes restaurateurs have to say that.

And then today, he posted this on Instagram.

Working hard to pick up the pieces of the puzzle and get back on track. More information to come soon…

A photo posted by Kevin Sbraga (@kevinsbraga) on

Is Sbraga leaving Philly? Explicitly, no. In a conversation via text, he wrote, “I’m not leaving Philly!!!” What he is doing is touring the deep South: Nashville, Memphis, Oxford and Louisville. Why? He wouldn’t say. But for now, we can chalk it up to “research”.

The caption says “More information to come soon…”. Ditto that.

Sbraga and Fat Ham Philadelphia Are Closing [Foobooz]