Brian Laird, shown here working on the chef’s line at Sarto’s, has parted ways with the restaurant. (Photo by Brent Lewis/The Denver Post)
Six months after opening in Denver’s Jefferson Park neighborhood, Sarto’s restaurant has parted ways with executive chef Brian Laird, who helped create the contemporary Italian menu and helmed the since opening day.
Laird’s departure was confirmed by Sarto’s owner Taylor Swallow.
“We had different visions for the place,” Swallow said in a Wednesday morning phone conversation. “Different directions. You never enter these things with this outcome in mind. Obviously, Brian is a very talented guy and he’s going to land on his feet.”
In the interim, Swallow will be working with a remaining trio of chefs: James Rugile, Ryan Baldwin and Ivan Ceballos. “We have a strong team there,” Swallow said. “We’ll see who emerges out of that group.”
Laird, who made his considerable reputation during a long stint at , could not be reached for comment. His last shift was April 17.
Swallow said the general thrust of the menu will continue, noting that he was excited about moving into the spring-summer versions of Sarto’s rotating seasonal menu. Since the restaurant opened Oct. 28, this will be their first run at warm-weather fare.
“The goal is to continue performing at a high level,” Swallow said.
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