Sturkeys leave Mesh restaurant

Updated 11:18 AM Wednesday, April 1, 2009

The chefs behind a local upscale restaurant say they've decided to leave the business to pursue other opportunities.

Former Mesh Executive Chef Paul Sturkey and Pastry Chef Pam Sturkey parted ways with the West Chester Twp. restaurant Monday, March 30, Paul Sturkey said.

"It was time for a lifestyle change," said Paul Sturkey, who was a managing partner in the restaurant.

Without releasing specific details, he said the restaurant was changing directions and the couple felt it was time to leave.

"We're going on a leap of faith that God is going to bring us some opportunities down the road," Paul Sturkey said.

The restaurateurs were behind Mesh's contemporary dining concept at the restaurant that has been popular with locals since its August 2007 opening on Mulhauser Road, with the valet service as an option in the parking lot.

Paul Sturkey said the decision to leave Mesh was two-fold.

The couple will focus more time on his salad dressing bottling company, Paul Sturkey Bottling Co., and his wife's pastry business.

Pam Sturkey is expecting to make her pastries available through retail outlets nationwide, her husband said on Tuesday, March 31.

The couple also will spend more time with their children, ages 10 and 12, Paul Sturkey said.

He looks forward to family dinners he missed by staying at work sometimes until 1 a.m.

Sturkey opened his first restaurant in Cincinnati in 1998. He also owned Encore Café in West Chester Twp.

The owners of Mesh did not immediately return phone calls for comment.

Staff Writer Mandy Gambrell contributed to this report.