Ben Bettinger Taking the Reins at Laurelhurst Market

Photo of Laurelhurst Market courtesy Facebook

Chef Ben Bettinger's next move has been confirmed: After announcing his impending departure from Imperial earlier this week (he'll be in Vitaly Paley's downtown kitchen until early August), Laurelhurst Market brings word that Bettinger will join its team as executive chef. Bettinger will replace longtime Laurelhurst chef Shannon Preble, who's been running the LM kitchen since 2009. In the announcement, co-owner Ben Dyer writes: "After many successful and enjoyable years as the chef de cuisine, Shannon Preble has decided to step down at the end of the summer in order to pursue new passions. We are sad to see her go and wish her all the luck in the world in her new adventures, wherever they may take her."

Bettinger helped open Imperial and its casual sister spot Portland Penny Diner in fall 2012; before that, he was the opening chef at the now-closed Beaker & Flask. According to Dyer, it's "too soon to tell" how the menu will evolve, but "the bones of the menu should stay the same."
· All Previous Laurelhurst Market Coverage [Eater PDX]
· All Previous Ben Bettinger Coverage [Eater PDX]