Matthew Kenney, one of the country's leading raw/vegan chefs, is moving his operation south. Kenney tells L.A. Weekly that he's planning to open a second restaurant in Venice (along with Plant Food and Wine, set to open shortly on Abbot Kinney), and at the same time close up shop at M.A.K.E. in Santa Monica Place.

Kenney's cooking school, which is adjacent to M.A.K.E., will move to an upstairs space attached to Plant Food & Wine. Classes at the new space are set to begin May 1.

The new restaurant will be opened in partnership with Ilan Dei, founder of Ilan Dei Studio, the Venice design and manufacturing studio that's known for its work with Lemonade, the healthy fast-casual chain. While there isn't a name or location for this new concept quite yet, Kenney and Dei hope to be open by this fall. The restaurant, like M.A.K.E., will focus on raw foods. Reps for Kenney tell us that it will be “marked by its moderate pricing, casual, welcoming design and approachable culinary offerings.” 

Kenney adds, “People want healthy dining options that are reasonably priced, and a setting they feel good in.”

Meanwhile, M.A.K.E. will depart its current location atop the Santa Monica shopping center as of April 30. 

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