Chef Scott Conant steps away from Phoenix restaurants. This Food Network star is taking over

Scott Conant, a Food Network celebrity chef and the creative force behind Mora Italian and The Americano, and the owners of Creation Hospitality are passing the torch of the restaurants' leadership, but plan to keep them largely the same.

Conant is turning things over to another Food Network alum, Beau MacMillan, the former executive chef at Sanctuary's Elements restaurant.

“I’m confident in handing over the reins to Chef Beau, knowing that the dining experience will continue to meet and exceed the expectations of those who have come to know and love these very special restaurants,” said Conant in a press release.

Conant and his family will live in Scottsdale while he travels and helps develop other concepts. He will continue leading Atlanta's The Americano by Scott Conant, an Italian steakhouse at the InterContinental Buckhead Hotel.

The new executive chef is no stranger to the Scottsdale dining scene

MacMillan currently heads Cala at Scottsdale’s Senna House, which serves ingredient-focused, Mediterranean-inspired coastal cuisine. He also helped develop the bar menu at Tell Your Friends, a speakeasy, opening at The Americano on May 18.

“Scott has been a longtime friend, and I look forward to seeing what lies ahead for him,” said MacMillan in a press release. “I’ve been a huge fan of both restaurants since they opened — The Americano is two minutes from my house, and I’m always there. Mora has an unbelievable vibe and energy. I can’t wait to dig in and establish relationships with the guests and the talented teams that illuminate each restaurant. In my expanded role with Creation, I look forward to the opportunity to amplify two already successful restaurants even further.”

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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Food Network star takes over Scott Conant's Phoenix restaurants