Ben McArthur leaves J. McArthur’s kitchen, Will Volny steps in

A little more than a year after opening his first restaurant, chef Ben McArthur has left J. McArthur’s An American Kitchen. The announcement was posted on J. McArthur’s Facebook page yesterday, Aug. 28.

Co-owner Kathleen Bibbins said McArthur has “decided to pursue some other opportunities.” McArthur opened the Lindenwood Park restaurant in July 2015 with Bibbins (his stepmother) and his father, John McArthur. Bibbins said she and John McArthur will continue their ownership with a new chef at the helm, Will Volny.

“He’s going to carry on with the original concept that’s been developed,” Bibbins said, “He was recommended to us by a lot of people.”

Volny, who most recently served as chef at Bixby’s, said J. McArthur’s farm-to-table focus aligns with his own desire to work with area producers. “Over the last three years, I’ve build a lot of relationships with farmers doing the CSA at The Libertine and working at Bixby’s,” he said.

While regulars can rest assured that J. McArthur’s popular scallops entree isn’t going anywhere, Volny intends to add a few regular menu items like a steak and a burger.

Ben McArthur did not immediately return requests for comment.