Stephen Jones, chef and owner of The Larder and The Delta, is stepping into a new role as the culinary director of Upward Projects, the group behind Postino, Federal Pizza, Windsor, Churn Ice Cream and Joyride Taco.
Jones, a three-time James Beard semifinalist, brings 27 years of kitchen experience to the role.
"Stephen is a phenomenal chef and a special part of the fabric of the Arizona dining scene," said Lauren Bailey, CEO and Co-founder of Upward Projects, in a press release. "Bringing Stephen into the Upward Projects family isn't about getting bigger; it's about getting better, more focused, and more chef-driven than ever. His culinary mastery, passion for sourcing and dedication to kitchen mentorship will elevate our culinary experience
to the next level.”
How will Stephen Jones change Upward Projects restaurants?
Jones sees his role as creative as well as providing leadership and support for the restaurants and the team.
He is keeping new menu details under wraps, but plans to add chef-driven shareable plates at all the concepts.
In an interview with The Republic, Jones said he's starting with Postino, which will have a new menu by 2027, though the bruschettas are not going away. Next is Federal, followed by Windsor, Churn and Joyride Taco House.
But his first priority is Lado a Lado.
Supporting restaurants and making menu cameos
Lado a Lado, a restaurant opening in the former Joyride Taco House space in uptown, is a collaboration between Upward Projects and Chiwas Hospitality Group. The latter is made up of James Beard-recognized chefs Armando Hernandez, Nadia Holguin and Roberto Centeno, who own several restaurants, including Tacos Chiwas, Cocina Chiwas and Main Street Burger.
According to Jones, Chiwas Group is fully in charge of the menu. "I simply bridge the gap between the two hospitality groups," Jones said. "Lado a Lado is going to be a very special restaurant."
Though you won't see Stephen Jones' dishes on the Lado a Lado menu, they might make cameos as specials on Windsor's menu.
"This isn't the Stephen Jones show," he said. "And the Stephen Jones show isn't over by any means, but for now, I'm focused solely on this and having a good time."
So, for now, he invites guests to "be on the lookout for some big changes within the Postino brand."
Reach the restaurant critic at BAnooshahr@azcentral.com. Follow @baharcreative on Instagram.
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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: 'Phenomenal' Phoenix celebrity chef promises 'big changes' at Postino
