Speer Resigns
Philip Speer resigns from Uchi Restaurant Group in wake of DWI arrest
Philip Speer, pastry chef and director of culinary operations for the famed Uchi empire, has resigned, a spokesperson confirmed to CultureMap.
"Philip Speer has officially resigned from Uchi Restaurant Group. We understand his decision and are grateful for his innumerable contributions and dedication over the last 10 years and we wish him success for his future endeavors," the group said in a statement.
During his tenure at Uchi, Uchiko and, most recently, St. Philip Pizza Parlor + Bakeshop, Speer developed a reputation for crafting innovative and creative dishes. The chef has also been named a James Beard Award semifinalist.
In October, Speer was arrested on suspicion of drunk driving after he hit a natural gas pipe and flipped his car over in North Austin. Speer allegedly fled the scene and was later found unconscious in a ditch by a KVUE videographer who had come to report the story. He was arrested by Austin Police and charged with "Driving While Intoxicated, 3rd or more."
It remains to be seen what Speer will do next. According to court documents, the chef is set to reappear in front of a Travis County judge on February 10 to face charges.