Minneapolis restaurant group Biltwell Restaurant LLC has hired a new culinary director.

Eleven-year veteran chef Nick O'Leary (pictured) will oversee the kitchens at all eight of restaurateur Kim Bartmann's eateries.

O'Leary, who cut his teeth under Sameh Wadi at Saffron, was previously the Culinary Director at Smack Shack, which opened a new location in Chicago this spring. Before that the Wisconsin native created the concepts for and helped open Minneapolis restaurants Borough, Coup d'Etat and Marche. He has also worked in the kitchens at Hotel Minneapolis, Travail Kitchen & Amusements and Butcher & the Boar.

Biltwell is currently in the midst of opening a ninth restaurant. Trapeze – a champagne bar that will sit adjacent to Bartmann's French cafe Barbette – is expected to open before the end of the year.