Veranda on Highland executive chef Tom Robey.

After nearly five years at Veranda on Highland, executive chef Tom Robey is returning to his culinary home, Commander’s Palace in New Orleans. Jeffrey Hansell, who previously worked under Robey as sous chef and has more recently served as executive sous chef at Luke in New Orleans, will return to take the helm at the Southside restaurant.

Robey told the Birmingham News that he is proud of the success of Veranda, but he has longed to return to the Crescent City.

“You know, I’ve been here five years, and I’m very proud of what I’ve accomplished here,” the 44-year-old Robey says. “But I know what it means to miss New Orleans, and it’s just time to return to my friends and family. And I am very proud to be going back to Commander’s Palace.”