Will Artley is Leaving Pizzeria Orso

Chef Will Artley is leaving Falls Church pizza destination Pizzeria Orso.

"Orso and I have decided to mutually separate, effective immediately," Artley told Eater today. The chef didn't go into detail on what promoted the move, but says his team will stay on at the restaurant.

"One person isn't the restaurant; I just happen to be the face of it," Artley said.  "It's still going to be a great place in an awesome neighborhood and I really want people to still go there and visit. I'm really proud of what we built there."

Artley says he's not sure what his next move will be. "I'm going to go running and figure it out...go on a nice long bike ride," he said. The chef was a major face of the Fit for Hope campaign, where local chefs gathered together to lose weight, losing more than 50 pounds and going on to run triathalons and marathons.

Pizzeria Orso, which owned by the same people who operate 2941 Restaurant, has gone through several chef changes since it opened in Falls Church. Eater has reached out to the publicist for any information on who might eventually replace Artley.

Update: According to a statement from the restaurant, 2941 chef Bertrand Chemel will now oversee both restaurants. "On Tuesday, October 21st, Pizzeria Orso will begin its exciting new culinary journey under the creative guidance of critically acclaimed Executive Chef Bertrand Chemel of sister restaurant 2941 as Chef Will Artley leaves his post at the popular neighborhood restaurant to focus on personal ventures related to his impressive milestones in the health and fitness world," the statement reads. "Bertrand Chemel will continue as Executive Chef of 2941, also located in Falls Church, Virginia and plans on sharing much of 2941's extraordinary hospitality with guests at Pizzeria Orso."