Earlier this year, we told you about NAYA, the newest restaurant concept from Jin Park, owner of Sakanaya and Miga.
Today comes the news that there was always more to the story. Turns out, the restaurant concept was being developed the entire time in partnership with Thad Morrow, who will be the executive chef and operate the new restaurant on 3rd and Green in Campustown.
Until two years ago, when he took a job as Wine Director at Blue Apron, Chef Morrow was known coast to coast as the owner and executive chef of bacaro, the restaurant and wine bar which he founded in 2000. The restaurant was sold to Drew Starkey and his partners and still remains open today.
We’ll have lots more soon enough, as we always do, but for the moment, let’s just say that we’re all very excited to be able to announce this finally, and really looking forward to the idea of another restaurant on campus, especially one that is being helmed by Chef Morrow, who revolutionized dining in Champaign 18 years ago, and appears poised to do it all over again.