Other
Frank McClelland
James Beard Award winner
- Discipline
- Other
i. Biography
From a small farm in New Hampshire to Frank in Beverly, Frank McClelland built his work by moving steadily through Boston-area kitchens, carrying a French-meets-New-England approach from room to room. L'Espalier in Boston’s Back Bay became the long center of that practice before he added other restaurants of his own.
Coming Up
Early in their career, Frank worked as executive chef at The Country Inn at Princeton in Western Massachusetts and chef-owner at L'Espalier in Boston, Back Bay (1988–2018). Today, Frank is owner of Riversbend (since 2016) and owner of Frank (since 2019).
Where They Are Now
The current work is split between Riversbend in Essex and Frank in Beverly. Frank serves as the Beverly home base, while Riversbend carries the same regional sensibility north of Boston. That move from chef-owner to owner did not mark a break so much as a widening of the map.
In Their Words “Everyone who has known me over the last 40 years knows that's what I'm all about.”
Honors
Frank's honors include James Beard Foundation Award, Best Northeast Chef (2007), Food & Wine top 25 new chefs in the US to watch, and AAA Five Diamond Awards (17 consecutive while at L'Espalier).
Profile updated July 2026
FAQ
Asked of Frank
Where did Frank McClelland work before?
Frank McClelland's earlier career included The Country Inn at Princeton and L'Espalier.
What recognition has Frank McClelland received?
James Beard Foundation Award, Best Northeast Chef (2007).
