Chef Austin Johnson Departs 1 White Street, Leaves Legacy of Community and Culinary Innovation
NEW YORK, NY – Chef Austin Johnson, a driving force behind the acclaimed Tribeca restaurant 1 White Street, has announced his departure from the establishment he co-founded.Johnson, who has dedicated over two decades to the culinary world since beginning his career at 15, is stepping away to focus on his family. His tenure at 1 White Street,which opened its doors with a unique vision of a multi-level dining experience,leaves a notable mark on the New York dining scene.
Johnson’s culinary journey began at a young age, a path he describes as a calling. His professional trajectory includes significant experience at renowned establishments, notably Frenchie in Paris, were he earned a Michelin star, and Eleven Madison Park in the United States, both celebrated for their culinary excellence.It was during his time at Frenchie that Johnson met his future partner, Wilson, who woudl visit the Parisian bistro during his wine trips to Europe.
The genesis of 1 White Street stemmed from Johnson and Wilson’s desire to replicate the vibrant atmosphere of Frenchie in New York. Their vision was to create a multi-faceted dining destination, inspired by the intimate, 20-seat frenchie with its walk-ins-only wine bar, high-top tables, and a more casual, “rock and roll” ambiance compared to fine dining. This concept was to be realized across three floors at 1 White Street, with the ground floor intended as a no-reservations, casual space mirroring the Parisian wine bar.
Johnson articulated his aspiration for 1 White Street as more than just a restaurant, but a community hub. “There was a real sense of community on that street with the neighbors,” Johnson stated in 2021. “After living that for years and running back and forth, I didn’t want to create a one-dimensional restaurant. I love using my tweezers but I have more to offer. A change of scenery is something a lot of chefs don’t get to create for themselves.” This philosophy translated into a restaurant designed to cater to the neighborhood, offering accessible options like a burger and locally sourced salads on its ground floor.
The initial site at 1 White Street immediately resonated with Johnson and Wilson, solidifying their concept of a “vertical Frenchie.” The plan allocated the ground floor for the wine bar and casual dining, with the upper two floors dedicated to the tasting menu. The presence of a kitchen on each level underscored the operational ambition of the project. The COVID-19 pandemic further influenced the restaurant’s layout, with the curbside space also becoming an integral part of the ground-floor offering.
Upon opening, Johnson emphasized the neighborhood-centric nature of the establishment. “This place is a neighborhood restaurant,” he said. “The first floor is for Tribeca. it’s for a neighbor who wants a burger at the bar with a home-grown salad from the Hudson Valley.” This approach fostered a strong connection with the local community, with Johnson noting patrons visiting frequently, sometimes more than twice a day. The restaurant cultivated a loyal following, a testament to Johnson’s consistent presence and dedication.
1 White Street is described as a “well-oiled machine,” poised for continued success. However,Johnson’s departure marks the end of an era for those who appreciated his direct involvement and culinary vision. His next chapter will be dedicated to his family, a move met with well wishes for his future endeavors.
