Executive Chef Andy Hayes Leaving Moto, Joining 5th and Taylor as Chef de Cuisine

Moto, the Italian concept from M Street Entertainment Group, is about to be on the lookout for a new kitchen captain, as executive chef Andy Hayes is set to leave the restaurant and join Chattanooga chef Daniel Lindley's upcoming Germantown restaurant 5th & Taylor as chef de cuisine.

Hayes, who opened Moto in February of last year, certainly has the background to execute Lindley's planned "regional and seasonally focused American menu," with time spent as chef de cuisine at The Hermitage Hotel's Capitol Grille, in the kitchen at New York City's Gramercy Tavern and the Whelk restaurant in Westport, Connecticut.

Hayes tells Eater that his last day at Moto will be Jan.16, with 5th & Taylor aiming for a February/March opening.