Restaurant Girl reported earlier today that Shane McBride, formerly of 7Square (RIP), had been hired as the chef at Craftsteak, taking over for Chris Albrecht, apparently nudged out in January. Craft emperor Tom Colicchio set the record straight with us: “Here’s the deal,” he tells us. “For the last three months, Damon Wise has been the acting chef at Craftsteak and has completely changed the way things are done there: the suppliers, the menu, everything. Shane has been hired specifically to execute the menu that Damon created. Damon has worked his ass off day and night, and I want him to get credit for that.” Done and done.

Colicchio also tells us that Wise has been promoted from chef de cuisine at Craft to executive chef of all the Craft restaurants. (James Tracy, a Craft and Gramercy Tavern veteran, will take over Wise’s old job.) Says Wise: “I hired Shane because I worked with him at Lespinasse, and I know what a good fit he’ll be.” We’re just sorry to hear that McBride won’t be bringing any of his creations from 7Square.

Earlier: Chef Out at Craftsteak; Colicchio: “It Was Time for Him to Go”