Former GM of Chicago's Senza IN at Blackbird & Henry

New campus-area restaurant Blackbird & Henry is getting closer to their projected mid-February opening. Ryan Taylor is IN as the restaurant's GM; he previous ran the front of the house at Chicago's Senza, a gluten-free restaurant which was awarded one Michelin star after their first year in business.

Blackbird & Henry is also doing some serious plywood tracking on their Facebook page; their awning and sign have both just gone up. The new "neighborhood tavern" is the latest project from chef Mark Schmidt, who ran beloved Marble Falls restaurant Cafe 909. The full release is below.

Blackbird and Henry General Manager Named
Ryan Taylor joins the team at Chef Mark Schmidt's anticipated neighborhood tavern

AUSTIN, TEXAS (February 13, 2014) – Chef/Owner Mark Schmidt today announced Ryan Taylor as general manager at Blackbird and Henry.

"With such an accomplished background in the hospitality industry, I am beyond thrilled to have Ryan Taylor join the team," says Chef Schmidt. "He will bring a wealth of knowledge and talent to Blackbird and Henry."

Taylor will be responsible for managing all aspects of Blackbird and Henry's operations and will work with Chef Schmidt to create the perfect combination of impeccable service in a neighborhood atmosphere.

"Working with Chef Schmidt on his new restaurant in Austin's rapidly evolving dining scene is set to be quite exciting," says Taylor. "The goal for Blackbird and Henry is put forth a level of service that is in line with the fine dining experience while keeping it relaxed and approachable."

Taylor recently moved from Chicago where he served as general manager at Senza, a fine dining restaurant that earned a Michelin Star after only one year of business. Taylor joined the Senza team in 2011 where he supervised the restaurant's build-out and opening in 2012. He oversaw the restaurant's bookkeeping and ordering along with team dynamics and daily operations. Taylor also brings his multimedia experience to Blackbird and Henry as he is a professional photographer, graphic and web designer.

Growing up in New York and Ohio, Taylor began working in restaurants at the age of 16. He moved to Chicago in 1997 to attend film school at Columbia College. After graduation, Taylor worked a number of years in commercial production before serving as general manager at Fattoush, a neighborhood favorite in Chicago.

Blackbird and Henry, a neighborhood tavern, is set to open mid-February at 3016 Guadalupe Street Suite 100 in the Guadalupe 31 building at the southwest corner of 31st Street and Guadalupe Street in the heart of Central Austin. Blackbird and Henry will serve dinner seven days a week from 5 p.m. to midnight, opening for lunch and brunch shortly after opening.