Longtime Dogpatch Favorite Serpentine Receives a New Chef/Owner

New ownership has taken over Serpentine. The Dogpatch’s American standby opened almost exactly nine years ago, with owner Erin Rooney (Slow Club) making the restaurant a neighborhood go-to, through cycling chef talent like Chris Kronner (Kronnerburger), Eric Ehler (Black Sands), and more in the kitchen. Now, she’s giving the reins to Tommy Halvorsen (this is Rooney’s second restaurant sale recently; she sold Slow Club, too, which is now The Morris).

Halvorsen brings experience from Chez Panisse, Bix, and Gary Danko, and he also runs Foxtail Catering. Now, while Rooney stays on as a silent partner, he’ll take over the restaurant to make his own. Not that he has many changes planned — Halvorsen told Inside Scoop that his Kentucky background may lead to Southern and Cajun flavors subtly infusing the menu.

There’s also a space upgrade on the way, though the restaurant will remain open during that time. Halvorsen’s version of Serpentine should be complete in February.

• Dogpatch mainstay Serpentine gets new chef-owner in Tommy Halvorson [Inside Scoop]