Cork begins its annual summer hiatus July 1, but this year the south Chandler fine-dining restaurant is using the time to reinvent itself as an entirely new concept called Earnest.
The new restaurant still will have executive chef Brian Peterson, who’s planning more accessible entrees in $15-to-$27 range (compared to $28 to $34 at Cork).
As part of a nationwide shift away from fine dining, the bar will focus more on craft beer and cocktails than on expensive wines.
The interior will get an $80,000 makeover to make it more open and casual.
Pastry chef Danielle Morris also will remain with the restaurant, but Cork’s third founding partner, Danielle’s husband, Robert, will not be involved.
Cork opened in March 2008 on the northeast corner of Alma School and Chandler Heights. Peterson and the Morrises previously worked together at Lon’s. They also launched BLD in Chandler in March 2011.
Earnest is scheduled to open July 16.
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