Chef Sarah Welch Finds New Home at Revolver in Hamtramck

Former Republic and Parks & Rec chef Sarah Welch didn’t have to wait too long for a restaurant to snap her up. Welch has been at large for just over a month and has already scored a new gig at Hamtramck pop-up restaurant trendsetter Revolver.

In a message to fans late last week Revolver owner Peter Dalinowski confirmed that he is taking a step back from the day-to-day operations in order to focus on launching his new extended pop-up project, Frame, in Hazel Park. Welch is temporarily taking the reins for a six-month stint managing the kitchen and running a weekly Chef’s Table dining series.

Some of Welch’s first experiences cooking in the city were at Revolver doing Katoi pop-ups with chef Brad Greenhill, she says. “It’s kind of like coming full circle for me, because Revolver was literally my introduction to the Detroit food scene.”

Welch tells Eater the position at Revolver is a good fit that allows her to get back to the basics of cooking and redefine her voice without conflicting with her prior commitments (Savor Detroit and a dinner at The Cooks’ House in Traverse City to name a few).

Following her unexpected ouster from the G.A.R. Castle restaurants says many chefs in the Detroit community called to offer her wisdom including James Rigato of Mabel Gray. “His advice was just reinvest in yourself and find your voice,” she recalls. “When you’re managing two restaurants it does become challenging to be a part of the food,” she says of her time at Republic and Parks & Rec. Kicking off on April 23, Welch’s Chef’s Table series will allow her to explore and introduce her own style to diners.

As for what comes next after the six months are up, Welch says she’s still hopes to open her own restaurant though her past experience has encouraged her to be more selective when it comes to jobs. “I definitely have feelers out and game plans in the works, but I don’t have anything finalized yet,” she says.

• Revolver Announcement Official [Website]

• Chef Sarah Welch Ousted From Republic, Parks & Rec Diner [ED]

• Revolver Founder Brings New Chef Residency Restaurant to Hazel Park [ED]

• All Revolver Coverage [ED]

• All Chef Shuffles Coverage [ED]