When we brought news that Todd English was out at 98 Kenmare, he mentioned to us that he has conversations with restaurateurs all the time. One man he’ll be conversing with a lot, starting now, is former Tao executive chef Sam Hazen. English’s rep has told us exclusively that Hazen, who left the massively profitable Tao back in May to focus on his consulting business HazenX3 and to work on a Nolita hotel, has now joined Todd English Enterprises, and will help English develop new concepts. The deal was inked just a few days ago, so it’s too early to tell what concepts will arise from it, and whether big Buddhas will be involved.

Earlier: Todd English Out at 98 Kenmare, Sfoglia Likely In