Heads up, mezcal fans: Jay Schroeder, a leading ambassador of the popular Mexican spirit, is out at Mezcaleria Las Flores. As first reported by Eater, Schroeder is leaving the Logan Square bar amidst a months-long discussion over a formal partnership that failed to materialize.
Schroeder and Sarah Jordan, partner at MLF and chef-owner of the attached Johnny’s Grill, have both declined interviews, “as they are both looking forward and not back,” according to a representative. Instead, they each released independent statements on the situation.
According to Jordan, “I very much respect his creativity behind the bar, but ultimately, there were various differences on the operations end that we have personally not been able to see eye to eye on. … It just comes down to the fact that it simply wasn’t the right fit.”
Since opening in March of last year, MLF has been a destination for mezcal novices and aficionados alike, with much of that buzz tied to Schroeder’s deep knowledge of the unique spirit. Widely considered one of the city’s top mezcal authorities, Schroeder brought a sense of education and exploration to the bar, augmenting the spirit’s profile with inventive cocktails but also participation in such events as the city’s first Mezcal Week and Mexico: Mezcal in a Bottle.
“It is with great sadness that I announce my departure from Mezcaleria Las Flores, a project into which I poured my heart and soul,” said Schroeder in a statement. “Very few people are granted the opportunity to take an idea and actualize it, start to finish. … At the outset I would have never imagined that we as a team would have been able to accomplish what we have: all that we set out to do and much more.”
Both Jordan and Schroeder say there are no hard feelings, and both look forward to new projects down the road. Stay tuned for updates.
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