Chef Abigail Chen stepped down from her position at Bar Sera in the West Village this June. Chen will move to a new restaurant opening in Midtown later this year.

Bar Sera, a Mediterranean restaurant at 215 West 11th Street, saw its executive chef Abigail Chen depart in early June 2024. Chen had been with the restaurant since its opening in 2022. Management confirmed her departure but has yet to name a permanent replacement.

Abigail Chen will be joining a new restaurant venture in Midtown, scheduled to open in the fourth quarter of 2024. Details about the Midtown project, including its concept and partners, remain limited as of this writing. Chen is expected to lead the kitchen and develop the menu.

Bar Sera’s owners stated that the kitchen will continue with interim leadership while a search for a new executive chef is underway. Line cook Preston Li has assumed daily responsibilities. Staff changes come amid broader shifts in West Village dining, with several chef moves reported in recent months.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Abigail Chen leave Bar Sera?

Abigail Chen left Bar Sera to pursue a new opportunity with a restaurant project in Midtown. The decision was announced internally in late May 2024. Both Chen and Bar Sera management described the departure as amicable.

Who is running Bar Sera’s kitchen now?

Following Abigail Chen’s departure, line cook Preston Li has taken over daily kitchen operations on an interim basis. Bar Sera has not appointed a new executive chef yet but is conducting a search.

When will Abigail Chen’s new Midtown restaurant open?

The Midtown restaurant project is expected to launch in late 2024. No official opening date has been released. Additional details about the concept and team will be announced later this year.

Editorial Transparency. A first draft of this story was produced with AI-assisted writing tools, then reviewed for accuracy and tone by the named editor before publication. More on our process: Editorial Policy.