"If I had the chance to do this all over again, I would."
These were the words chef Daniel Humm addressed to his business partner of thirteen years, Will Guidara, on his Instagram account this morning.
Earlier this week, it was with a heavy heart that the world found out that the Make It Nice duo, whose partnership saw Eleven Madison Park's rise to fame, announced they would be going their separate ways this summer. Eater US published a letter in which they announced the move to their team, stating that they were splitting as a result of "different visions of the company long-term."
Daniel Humm is buying out his partner with the help of an investor, having spent the last year trying to divide the company but failing to find a suitable arrangement. Will Guidara will use the money to start his own restaurant group.
Meanwhile, company leader Jeffrey Tascarella has been appointed Chief Operating Officer of Make It Nice.
The pair, who have presided over a restaurant empire across the United States together for the past 13 years - including three iterations of NoMad, Made Nice and Eleven Madison Park - as well as publishing four cookbooks together, had planned on opening a restaurant at Claridge's in London this autumn.
It is understood that the venue, as will any other plans the group has, will go ahead despite the split.
Under their watch, Eleven Madison Park was awarded three Michelin stars, topped the World's 50 Best restaurant list, won the James Beard awards for outstanding service, outstanding chef, outstanding pastry chef, outstanding restaurant and best New York City chef.
Daniel Humm said he "loved every bit of the last 13 years" and that the memories and lessons he learned alongside Will Guidara shaped him deeply."
As the pair set out to have "a world class restaurant," he said, they didn't know what that meant, but knew that "if we pushed, if we kept the egos aside, and ran our restaurant not for the good of each other but for the restaurant itself, we would succeed."
"Every goal we set, every crazy dream we had- we always found a way of getting there. The last decade was beyond enriching and meaningful and even in the most stressful times we had found ways to be joyful and light."
Their differences "took us both by surprise," he said and ever the indication that they are splitting on amicable terms, he continued: "You were an incredible partner to have and I will miss you on my side - not only in the business but as a brother."
"You inspired hundreds in your words and your actions. Your legacy will continue to live within our walls and in our company’s beliefs for years to come."
"As we both know, life has many seasons; as we always said, we have to change to stay the same."
"I’m so excited to watch you write your next chapter. Love you always."
