A Note to the Food52 Community

Dear Food52 Community,

Like so many of you, I’ve spent the last several months thinking about my personal goals and what is most important to me. After a lot of reflection and many conversations with Amanda and our partners at The Chernin Group, I’ve made the decision to step away from my day-to-day operational responsibilities as President of Food52.

When Amanda and I started Food52 almost 12 years ago, we had big plans. But neither of us could possibly have imagined the company as it exists today. Before we embarked on this journey, I’d never worked in an office or managed anyone. Now Food52 boasts almost 100 smart, passionate, accomplished team members, as well as a cadre of equally talented freelancers and contributors.

Over the last 12 years, I’ve learned so much—especially from all of you. It is both special and rare to find empathy and encouragement on the internet, and the Food52 community is the best of the best in this regard. I’ve been inspired by the enthusiasm, knowledge, and passion you bring to discussions that go way beyond recipes and touch on everything from cookware design to user experience to the social, economic, and political implications of food. Your diverse perspectives have helped me refine my own cooking to fit an evolving lifestyle; I started Food52 as a single person, and I now have a husband and two school-aged children.

Speaking of my children, a big reason for my decision is that it will allow me to spend more time with Clara (8) and Henry (5)—to pick them up from school regularly, to support Henry in his sudden, intense determination to become a reader, to supervise Clara’s weekly (virtual) baking class, or to coordinate an afternoon of making our own glass mosaics. While I’m looking forward to more family time and the opportunity to think about what’s next, this was a bittersweet decision because it comes at a moment when Food52's mission of helping people to eat thoughtfully and live joyfully has never been more relevant. I feel more excited than ever about what lies ahead. (No spoilers here, so stay tuned!)

It is also incredibly hard to leave a team and a co-founder who inspire and challenge me every day. Amanda and I have worked together for more than 15 years and I know that partnerships like ours exist once in a lifetime, if at all. Food52 wouldn’t be what it is today without Amanda’s clear vision and determination, and I would not be who I am without her personal and professional support over the years. We’re both really looking forward to spending time together without a to-do list, for the first time ever.

Rest assured that I'm not disappearing completely. I will continue in my role on the Board of Directors, and I am still a vested shareholder. I will stay close to Amanda and the team, helping out in whatever ways I can. And you’ll continue to see me too—in the comments section, maybe in a video here and there, and certainly at events once we’re able to host them again (you’d better believe I’m not missing out on all that fun!).

Thank you all for helping to create a true community for everyone who believes that food and cooking and the places we call home are fundamental to our collective health, happiness and well-being.

Much love,

Merrill

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