Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Bank Street Brewhouse bids a fond farewell to Chef Joshua Lehman …

... and other comings and goings at NABC, by Roger A. Baylor, co-owner and carnival barker.

Change is inevitable - except from a vending machine.
--Robert C. Gallagher


In the interest of keeping our friends, customers and followers fully informed about our progress in building a business, the New Albanian Brewing Company announces the following personnel comings and goings.

First, Joe Phillips, general manager at Bank Street Brewhouse offers a goodbye and two hellos (well, sort of).

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“Bank Street Brewhouse would like to express our best wishes to Chef Joshua Lehman, who soon will be departing NABC to pursue new adventures on the Louisville culinary circuit. His last day is Sunday, April 3. We’ve been happy to play a part in his dream of becoming an executive chef by the age of 30. Good luck, Josh!

“Our goals at Bank Street Brewhouse have not changed: We will continue to focus on growth, quality, and consistency with Chef Matthew Weirich, Sous Chef Bernie Collier and staff. You can look forward to many good things to come from your local brewery and downtown dining emporium.”

Joe Phillips, General Manager

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Speaking personally, and as old timer who remembers when Josh Lehman was born, I cannot thank him enough for proving conclusively that downtown New Albany can support finer dining, and by extension, illustrating in broader terms that fine dining with a craft beer underpinning (and not an extensive wine list) is a viable proposition financially as well as artistically.

Matt and Bernie are ready, eager and capable to step out from roles as understudies and continue the tradition of excellence established by Chef Josh. Thanks to both of them for their hard work, as well as to the extended kitchen staff.

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As an addendum, permit me to report these changes in the NABC brewery and on the NABC sales front.

Richard Atnip is NABC’s new sales manager for all of Indiana and Kentucky. Josh Hill has moved from Louisville sales into the two NABC breweries full-time as cellarman, responsible for duties including the bomber bottling at Bank Street Brewhouse and other matters as directed by director of brewing operations David Pierce, while also assisting brewer Jared Williamson at our Pizzeria & Public House brewery location.

Josh fills the now refashioned position recently vacated by Jesse Williams. Thanks to Jesse for all his contributions while at NABC.

Also, longtime NABC employee Jeremy Kennedy is moving into a technical support role, with responsibilities to include draft line cleaning, delivery, bottling and anything else that comes up. Eric Gray and Ben Minton remain on the job as beer managers at the Pizzeria and Public House. We’re in the final stages of reformatting the beer program there, so look for the new bottled list to be launched in early April.

RAB

3 comments:

Iamhoosier said...

I'm going to miss seeing Chef Josh's smiling face and giving him a thumbs up after consuming one of his creations. Best wishes, Chef.

MrG said...

Josh's presence and creativity made it a delight to recommend people to try the Bank Street Brewhouse. He helped redefine the possibilities in downtown New Albany. I hope he lands safely, and not too far away, to enjoy a new challenge.

Unknown said...

Very Impressed !! Not only by the quality of this report regarding personnel, but also for the level of respect shown which is no surprise to anyone at Secrets who have had the honor to work with NABC staff, past and present. We would like to tip our hats to Chef Josh Leyman for his excellent work,..and welcome aboard all of the new crew who are now filling very valuable and critical roles for RAB and DP.
It has been our overall experience that NABC and all of the related business's possess and instill the very best qualities that a local American business can deliver to the community. We salute everyone in the chain of command from the top down, and would like to express sincere gratitude for all past and future participation in Secrets related projects. Well Done Gentlemen!
Keep up the Good Work!!

Sincerely,

Jason Scot Pierce
Production Coordinator
Secrets of Louisville Chefs