Jaja Makes a Chef Change, Management Planning Two New Restaurant Concepts for Intro in Ohio City

Earlier this year, Jaja restaurant in Ohio City reopened following a 15-month hiatus with a new chef, overhauled concept and menu, and all the excitement that comes with starting a new chapter. But now, seven months later, the hospitality group that oversees all food and beverage at Intro is moving in another direction.

Last week, Minneapolis-based restaurant group JJJ Hospitality “parted ways” with executive chef Logan Abbe. Abbe says that he was completely blindsided by the move.

“I couldn’t get a straight answer as to why, and wasn’t even given any sort of documentation,” Abbe told Scene.

In advance of what JJJ is calling “Phase 2” at Intro, the restaurant group and developer Harbor Bay have partnered with Daniel del Prado on the project. Chef del Prado heads up the DDP Restaurant Group in the Twin Cities, overseeing a portfolio that consists of more than a dozen hot concepts in and around Minneapolis.

The first shift is the announcement of Colin Eakins as Jaja’s new executive chef. Eakins has been an instrumental member of the Le Burger team since JJJ opened the Minneapolis location in 2024. Eakins will oversee day-to-day kitchen operations and collaborate with DDP on Jaja’s menu makeover, which will include new dishes and expanded offerings.

“Everyone is excited about this next chapter and the direction of the concept moving forward,” says rep Gates Lindquist of Smarch + Co.

There are no major changes planned for Le Burger.

“Le Burger is staying exactly where it is and will continue to be a cornerstone of the project,” adds Lindquist.

Phase 2 includes the addition of two new restaurant concepts at Intro, which DDP will be announcing in the coming weeks. As part of this new partnership, the hospitality group will be looking at all public spaces at Intro to evaluate their design and function.

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