courtesy Joël Restaurant

In a prepared press statement, chef Cyrille Holota (left) of Joël Restaurant makes it abundantly clear that his friend, Joël Antunes, is no way, no how coming back to the Atlanta restaurant that bears his name.

“Joël was and always will be a magnificant chef and friend. My staff and I wish him the best of luck in whatever he does in the future,” says Holota in the statement.

Antunes, who recently parted ways with the Oak Room at the Plaza Hotel in New York, has not announced his next move yet. However, he is no longer affiliated with the Atlanta restaurant.

Holota’s performance has so impressed the ownership of Joël that he has been named managing partner. He has added new dishes to the menu to make it more his own.

Which begs the question: Will a name change come any time soon?