The Krebs hires GM, executive chef, prepares for mid-August opening

SKANEATELES, N.Y. — The Krebs, a Skaneateles restaurant with a history that dates back to the 19th century, today announced the hiring of a general manager and executive chef.

The Krebs has named Daniel Reiser as general manager, the restaurant said in a news release.

It also hired Austin Johnson, who most recently worked for NoMad Hotel and Eleven Madison Park in New York City, as executive chef.

The newly renovated Krebs has announced a grand opening date of Aug. 15.

Reiser comes to The Krebs from Gordon Ramsay at the London Hotel in New York City, where he also served as general manager.

Prior to Gordon Ramsay, he worked for Bann Restaurant & Lounge, Jean-Georges, The Mercer Kitchen, and Woo Lae Oak in New York City.

Before coming to New York City, Johnson spent time in Alaska, where he garnered experience with water and seafood culinary dishes, the Krebs said.

The restaurant’s history, the renovations, the village of Skaneateles, and the Weitsman family [which owns the Krebs] were all “critical” in Reiser’s decision to accept the job offer, he said in the news release.

“I was offered a position with Le Bernardin [in New York City], 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,” said Reiser.

Johnson figures his selection was a “very difficult decision,” considering the number of “top candidates” who the Krebs interviewed for the post, Johnson said in the news release.

“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,” he added.

The Michelin Guide to restaurants and hotels, first published in 1900 and part of the same firm that’s known for its tire production, has become “the benchmark in gourmet dining,” according to the Michelin website.

The guide highlights more than 45,000 establishments from New York City to Paris to Hong Kong, according to the website.

Fred and Cora Krebs founded The 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.

Adam Weitsman, owner of Owego–based Upstate Shredding, LLC and its sister business, Ben Weitsman & Son, Inc., bought the restaurant from Jan and Larry Loveless in 2010.

Weitsman bought the business for $5 million following the death of Jan Loveless and kept it operational.

At the time, Weitsman had committed “to donate all of the profits made from the restaurant to local women and children charities,” according to the Krebs news release.

As its first act of charitable giving, The Krebs on July 18 donated $5,000 to the Rescue Mission of Syracuse.

Weitsman’s wife, Kim, made the presentation to board members and executive staff at The Krebs.

Contact Reinhardt at ereinhardt@cnybj.com