Brandon Frohne OUT as Executive Chef at Mason's

Major changes in the kitchen at Loews Vanderbilt Hotel's Mason's restaurant and bar, as executive chef Brandon Frohne parted ways with the group last week after two and a half years at the helm. Both Frohne and a rep for Loews confirm that last Thursday was his last day.

The often outspoken Frohne came on board at the Loews in early 2013 to run the new Mason's Southern Provisions and Mason Bar, part of a multi-million dollar revamp to the hotel. And while the reasons for the departure (or Frohne's future plans) aren't currently known, he did provide the following statement:

Right now I'm really enjoying the time with my wife and children, as the last 30 months I projected a lot of my time in building something with the team, that we all could be proud of at Mason's and laying them a solid foundation for the restaurant.....I am excited for the next chapter in my life and career here in [the] Nashville community and food scene. Great things are ahead.

Loews Vanderbilt Hotel's rep says that there is "[n]o news yet to report on a new executive chef," and that hotel executive chef Ashley Reese has taken the reins in the interim.

So what might be the next step for Frohne? It's anyone's guess, but with a steady stream of restaurants opening around town, don't expect to see him sitting on the sidelines for long.