Changes are in store for Cache restaurant in the River Market.
Don’t worry fans, the restaurant isn’t going anywhere but there will be a new executive chef and general manager in place as we usher in a new year.
The restaurant’s current general manager and executive chef, Matthew Cooper, is leaving at the end of the year to “pursue a new opportunity,” according to a news release.
In his absence, Payne Harding, the restaurant’s chef and co-owner will act as executive chef, while Jeff Falls, the chief operating officer for RH Cuisine, which owns Cache and 1620 Savoy, will takeover as general manager.
“Matthew Cooper has been integral in our initial success at Cache,” Rush Harding, the restaurant’s co-owner and Payne’s father, said in the release. “We hate to lose Matt, but his job over this first year was to help us get the restaurant created and to jumpstart us to being a successful in the heart of the River Market.”
Boy, did he ever help do that? Cache is one of the go-to spots for an elegant meal. Our sister publication, Arkansas Business, reports the restaurant has done $1.3 million in food sales through September. Cha-ching!
Those of you worried about a possible drop off in food quality shouldn’t fret. Payne Harding is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, and he’s also trained at well-known restaurants like Le Cirque, Blackberry Farm, Volt and Dos Brisas. We think he’ll be okay, don’t you?
If you want to stop by and say farewell and good luck to Matthew — or just enjoy one of those $39 filets — the restaurant is open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 5-10 p.m. Saturday.