Stateside’s George Sabatino Heading Out on His Own


We knew him when. George Sabatino, then of Barbuzzo, from the 2011 50 Best Restaurants issue

George Sabatino is looking to open his own restaurant and will be resigning as chef at Stateside in 30-days, so says the Inquirer’s Michael Klein. 2012 had been the year of George. The 31-year old chef piloted Stateside to the number one position in Philadelphia magazine’s 50 Best Restaurants list, he was named best new chef by the Inquirer’s Craig LaBan and piled up the accolades all year.

Next up for Sabatino is consulting and a restaurant of his own that he will run with his fiancee, Jennifer Conley, who was behind the bar at Stateside when it opened.

The management at Stateside has also issued a statement as they hope the restaurant can continue to attract aspiring chefs like Sabatino.


Full statement from Stateside:

“The last few months have included some of the most incredible times for us at Stateside. We’ve been voted Best Restaurant by Philadelphia Magazine and Foobooz has put us on many of their “top” lists this year, as well. With the exit of George Sabatino as our Executive Chef, we see a chance to evolve and create an environment for young, aspiring chefs like George to flourish.

We wish everyone involved the best of luck in the future and we’re excited for the next chapter in our adventure.”

No word yet on when and where Sabatino’s restaurant will land, but we’ll be watching.

Stateside’s Sabatino gives notice [The Insider]