ABOUT RYE
At RYE, we believe food should be approachable yet challenging. Something that pushes the senses and comforts the soul.
Founded on the conviction that our most valued social experiences are created around food — RYE believes food exudes an energy that is, at times, indescribable.
We believe that local and regional food simply tastes better. Capitalizing on the unrivaled products of our local farms, RYE focuses on using sustainable, seasonal, unadulterated ingredients… Allowing us to provide you with a fresher, cleaner, more flavorful cuisine.
Beyond what we believe — You can trust that we are focused on being the very best at what we do.
MEET THE RYE TEAM
ERIN MACDONALD
GENERAL MANAGER
Before she decided to hitchhike to Kentucky and leave her Malibu life behind, Erin attended Pepperdine University and spent every spare moment in a kitchen. As General Manager, Erin keeps a hold on the day-to-day restaurant happenings.
MICHAEL TRAGER-KUSMAN
PROPRIETOR
In search of his passion, Michael left his job at the Department of Treasury to move to New York City and wash dishes. In just two years, he went from an unpaid pizza delivery boy to a line cook at one of New York’s most premier gastropubs—just the crash course that he needed to pursue his dream: starting a restaurant in his hometown of Louisville. Proprietor, host, designer, & food critic—Michael’s desire to never settle for second best inspires everything we do at Rye.
WILLIAM TYLER MORRIS
HEAD CHEF
Tyler has honed his skills in the kitchens of some of this country’s most admired Chefs. From April Bloomfield’s The Breslin to Tom Colicchio’s Craft, his professional career has largely been influenced by Italian cuisine, while his roots in California and New Mexico steer him towards Spanish flavors.
THOR MORGAN
GENERAL MANAGER
From eating fried chicken in Paris to studying business & economics in Kentucky, Thor remains a fixture in RYE’s front and back of house. With plenty of restaurant and food experience under his belt, he draws from his roots in the Bluegrass State and, of course, enjoys a nice glass of rye and a Lebowski quote as much as the next guy.
DOUG PETRY
BAR MANAGER
After visiting Boston’s internationally acclaimed cocktail bar, Drink, Doug said, “That’s something I’d like to do.” Three years and countless cocktails later, he now manages the bar program at Rye. Utilizing the benefits of an amazingly talented kitchen, Doug curates cocktail lists that balance classic recipes with inventive and seasonally inspired creations. His home bar is stocked with a dizzying assortment of flavored vodkas that he mostly enjoys with red bull, but occasionally on the rocks if the mood is right. You can follow Doug on instagram where he rarely ever posts anything @dpetry.