Reed Johnson Named Executive Chef at Equus/Jack’s, Black Rabbit

Reed Johnson

Chef Reed Johnson has been hired as the new executive chef of Equus & Jack’s Bourbon Restaurant/Lounge and Black Rabbit Speak Easy, owner Jared Fox Matthews announced.

Reed was recently executive chef at Standard Plate & Pour in New Albany, which closed in February, and previously was executive chef at Wiltshire at the Speed Art Museum from 2017-2020, according to a news release.

"I have been following Chef Reed's food for years,” Matthews said. “His love of southern flavors and attention to details is clear on every dish he puts out. Chef Reed and I set up a quick meeting about the possibility of us working together. That meeting turned into a two-hour conversation about food, family, and our love for the industry as a whole.”

“First off, I’d like to say what an honor it is to have the chance to follow the footsteps into Dean Corbett’s kitchen,” Johnson said. “He made such an impact on the Louisville restaurant scene. Secondly, I’d like to thank Jared Fox Matthews for the opportunity to work out of such a beautiful and unique space. I was looking for a little change of pace when Jared reached out about possibly letting me join the team.

“What was planned to be a short business meeting turned into an afternoon affair. There seemed to be good chemistry between us and the concepts that he runs. I’m really looking forward to putting a little personal touch onto an already amazing venue.”