Michelin-Starred Ever Splits With Co-Owner Michael Muser

There’s another shake-up happening at one of Chicago’s best restaurants. Ever, the Michelin-starred restaurant from chef Curtis Duffy has split with co-owner and director of operations Michael Muser.

Muser, one of the bigger characters in Chicago’s restaurant scene, confirmed the news in an Instagram post and reflected on working with Duffy for more than 15 years.

“But now is the time for me to follow my own ambitions and endeavors,” the post reads. “The team at Ever is the best in the business, and I will be rooting for the continued success of everyone there. I have some exciting projects in the works that I will talk more about soon!”

His connection with Duffy dates back 16 years when they first worked together at Avenues at the Peninsula Hotel Chicago. The two notably opened three Michelin-starred Grace together starting in 2012, where Muser served as general manager. In 2017, he assumed an ownership stake at Ever, a $5 million restaurant in Fulton Market, where he took on more of an operational role. A sommelier by trade, Muser was also behind many of the drinks at Ever’s sibling bar, After, which opened in 2022. He’s also the host of the annual Jean Banchet Awards, which recognizes Chicago restaurants, last taking place in January. Muser, an avid photographer and theater fan, wasn’t immediately available to comment. Reps for the restaurant didn’t return requests for additional information. Muser’s bio remained on the restaurant’s website on Tuesday night.

Ever, which was heavily featured in The Bear, opened in 2020. In the TV show, Richard “Richie” Jerimovich, played by Ebon Moss-Bachrach, loosely resembles Muser.

Five years after opening Grace in 2012, Duffy and Muser, fed up with how the ownership was treating staff, walked out of the restaurant. Their departures led to Grace’s abrupt closure in December 2017.

Here’s the full statement from Ever Restaurant Group:

We wish Michael the best with his next venture, and we’re grateful for his many contributions to Ever over the years. Our commitment to fostering a positive, collaborative, and forward-thinking environment remains unwavering. As we continue to grow, our focus is on strengthening our team, delivering exceptional experiences, and upholding the values that define us.

The group adds that it’s “excited about the future and remains committed to providing an outstanding dining experience for guests while supporting a thriving workplace culture.”

This is the second big change in Chicago’s fine dining scene in four months. In November, Alinea co-founder Nick Kokonas sold his stakes in the Alinea Group, as Jason Weingarten was installed as the new CEO.