Michelin-Starred Ever in Chicago Part Ways with Co-Owner Muser

Michael Muser Exits Chicago's Renowned Ever Restaurant

Chicago's celebrated dining establishment, Ever, known for its two Michelin stars, shakes up the culinary world with news of a major shift in its ownership dynamics. The spotlight turns on Michael Muser, co-owner, and luminary in the restaurant scene, as he prepares to step away from the role by February 2025. This move marks a significant change for Ever, which Muser co-founded with Chef Curtis Duffy back in 2020. It's a partnership that has, until now, been synonymous with top-tier dining.

The reasons behind Muser’s exit appear to be a mix of creative differences and financial challenges that have lingered since the COVID-19 pandemic. The financial strain is a hurdle many top restaurants have faced post-pandemic, yet Ever has managed to maintain its prestigious Michelin status throughout these turbulent times.

Muser's Legacy and New Chapters

For those familiar with the Chicago dining scene, Muser is hardly a new name. With a 30-year track record in the restaurant industry, his presence has always been felt, not just with Ever but also as a co-founder of the famed Grace, a three-Michelin-starred icon, and Avenues, another two-starred endeavor with Duffy. His approach has often been more than managerial; it’s been personal. Case in point, when Ever was under construction, Muser didn’t just oversee logistics; he got his hands dirty with drywall painting and more.

His acclaimed taste and deep involvement earned him the 2014 Food & Wine Sommelier of the Year title, a testament to his expertise beyond just running a restaurant. Having left an indelible mark, Muser is now setting his sights on new ventures. One area of focus will be his passion for photography, alongside other community-driven projects.

Despite Muser’s departure, Chef Duffy is committed to keeping Ever’s culinary excellence on track. The restaurant remains open and dedicated to maintaining the high standards that earned those Michelin stars in the first place. Duffy's vision for Ever is to continue evolving without losing sight of the innovative dining experiences it promises.

But Muser's contributions aren’t limited to the kitchen and dining room glamour. His work with the Jean Banchet Awards stands as a testament to his commitment to the community. The awards, benefiting Cystic Fibrosis research, reflect a mission of impact that extends beyond the confines of commercial success. For those interested in delving deeper into Muser and Duffy’s story, the documentary *For Grace* reveals the grit behind their joint success and is available on platforms like Amazon Prime and YouTube.

This pivotal moment for Ever is indeed the end of a chapter, but for Muser and Duffy, it's the start of new ventures and challenges. Both will shape Chicago’s culinary stage for years to come.