The Krebs in Skaneateles, New York, announced that after an extensive search and interview process from top candidates nationwide, it hired a general manager and executive chef to run the historic, newly renovated restaurant. 

Daniel Reiser, formerly with Bann, Jean-Georges, and Gordon Ramsey, has been named general manager and Austin Johnson, formerly with NoMad and Eleven Madison Park, has been named executive chef. Both candidates are working at The Krebs finishing last minute details and conducting final hiring. The Krebs has announced a grand opening date of Aug. 15.

Daniel Reiser has worked as general manager for the finest restaurants in the world. He comes to The Krebs from Gordon Ramsay at the London Hotel (Michelin 2 star) in New York City, where he served as general manager. 

Prior to Gordon Ramsay, he worked for Bann, Jean-Georges (Michelin 3 star), The Mercer Kitchen, and Woo Lae Oak in New York. In his former positions, Reiser has served as manager of both the front and back of the house, successfully steering the restaurants to the highest rankings and recognition from Michelin and the New York Times.

“I have been fortunate to work for some of the very best restaurants in the world. Upon my visit to Skaneateles, I fell in love with the restaurant. The history, the renovations, the Village, and the Weitsman family were all critical in my decision making. I was offered a position with Le Bernardin, one of the finest restaurants in the world; however, The Krebs is a perfect match, and I look forward to bringing the leadership and skills necessary to make the restaurant a world class, internationally recognized establishment,” Reiser says.

Austin Johnson is a highly respected chef who cooks at a Michelin level.  He is currently at NoMad, thetop rated restaurant in New York City, which is owned by Daniel Humm who also owns Eleven Madison Park. 

Prior to joining NoMad, Chef Johnson worked directly under the guidance and mentor of owner Daniel Humm at Eleven Madison Park.  Before coming to New York City, Chef Johnson spent extensive time in the Pacific Northwest, in particular Alaska, where he was able to attain extensive experience with the water and seafood culinary creations.

“I understand this was a very difficult decision for the Weitsman family, given the high number of top candidates that were interviewed for this prestigious executive chef position. I am very honored and thankful to Mr. and Mrs. Weitsman for this fantastic opportunity, and I look forward to bringing a Michelin star rated establishment to Skaneateles,” Chef Johnson says.

The Krebs was founded by Fred and Cora Krebs in the summer of 1899 when the couple began serving meals to their neighbors. Since that time, the Krebs has evolved into a restaurant of significant historical significance, serving the likes of presidents, dignitaries, and celebrities. 

With the new renovations and additions nearly complete, the Krebs is set to re-open Aug. 15. All details of the restaurant were planned meticulously to ensure that the Krebs not only received world class amenities and upgrades, but also preserved the history and tradition of the restaurant that patrons came to know and enjoy.

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“The Loveless family and the legacy of The Krebs mean a lot to Adam and myself. We took our time on this project to ensure that every part of this restaurant renovation was well thought out and executed. The addition of Daniel and Austin comes after interviewing many of the worlds’ top GMs and chefs. We feel that Daniel and Austin are the best candidates for their respective positions and we look forward to the great experience they will deliver to all those who visit The Krebs,” says Kim Weitsman.

Since being purchased in 2010, The Krebs has undergone several million dollars in significant renovations, upgrades, and improvements while preserving its rich history and tradition. Jan and Larry Loveless previously owned and operated The Krebs restaurant together for 46 years. However, when Jan Loveless passed away, the Krebs was faced with shutting its doors for the first time since 1899. 

Weitsman, a new Skaneateles resident at the time, purchased and renovated The Krebs for $5 million dollars with a commitment to donate all of the profits made from the restaurant to local women and children charities.

As its first act of charitable giving, The Krebs donated $5,000 to the Rescue Mission on Friday, July 18.  Board members and executive staff were on hand at The Krebs for the check presentation by Kim Weitsman.

“As more men, women, and families need the support of Rescue Mission programs, we are both honored and grateful to be the first nonprofit to partner with The Krebs as part of the grand re-opening of this landmark restaurant,” says Carolyn Hendrickson, chief development officer for the Rescue Mission.

“To make such a generous donation before its doors have even opened for business shows the integrity and commitment to community that The Krebs will stand for and we are very thankful. Both The Krebs and the Rescue Mission have great history in our community. This type of support allows the Rescue Mission, which has a 127 year history, to continue its work of sharing hope, ending hunger and homelessness, changing lives, and strengthening community one person at a time.”

Beginning Aug. 15, The Krebs will open Thursday, Friday, and Saturday for dinner and Sunday for brunch. A new website is under construction for The Krebs and can be viewed soon at www.thekrebs.com.