It seems one of Detroit's dwindling number of restaurant critics may be taking her exit. Crain's first-reports that Detroit Free Press food writer Sylvia Rector is among several staff members who accepted buyouts from parent company Gannett. Rector began covering food for the Detroit Free Press in 1998 and for some time has acted as the section's sole contributor, despite a rapidly expanding dining scene. In an attempt to cut costs, Gannett began offering buyouts last summer to veteran staff ages 55 and over with 15 or more years on the paper. However, some have been critical of the process.
Update, 11/18, 2:03 p.m.: Rector declined requests by Eater for comment on the buyout.
Update, 12/10, 10:49 a.m.: A posting to Gannett's jobs board confirms previous reports that Sylvia Rector is leaving The Detroit Free Press. As of Tuesday, the daily is on the lookout for new blood to cover Detroit's dining beat. The right reporter would act as a "restaurant critic, food truck arbiter, development reporter, barfly, dot-connector, culinary narrator."