Chef Lisa Chen Departs Manhattan's Uptown Grill After Five Years

Chef Lisa Chen has stepped down from her role as executive chef at Uptown Grill, a Midtown Manhattan restaurant, after five years. The departure was confirmed by the restaurant’s management on Monday.

Chen joined Uptown Grill in 2018, overseeing the kitchen and menu development. During her tenure, the restaurant maintained a steady clientele and a focus on modern American cuisine.

Neither the restaurant nor Chen provided a reason for her departure. Uptown Grill has said it is actively looking for a successor but did not provide a timeline.

This change comes amid a broader trend of chef turnover in New York City’s restaurant scene, influenced by labor challenges and evolving dining preferences since the pandemic. Uptown Grill remains open for business with its current menu.