Grant Achatz's The Aviary Drops Craig Schoettler

Well this is surprising: The Aviary, the cocktail lounge bar owned by Grant Achatz, reportedly fired their executive chef Craig Schoettler.

The first clue occured last night, when Schoettler mysteriously tweeted, "Good luck The Aviary."

Now Eater Chicago reports that Schoettler told them in a text that he was fired, but wasn't able to talk. Schoettler had helped launch The Aviary's cocktail program back in 2011, leading up to a James Beard nomination. He also played a large role in developing the bar program at the Office, below The Aviary.

The Aviary partner Nick Kokonas and Grant Achatz confirmed Schoettler's firing, saying in a statement, "We are happy to have had Craig with the Aviary during its first year. Beyond that we  don't comment on the comings and goings of staff."

Reasons for Schoettler's departure are unknown. The Daily Meal had an interview wtih Schoettler himself last Thursday (seen above), visited The Aviary on Saturday, and nothing seemed out of the ordinary. Updates as they happen, but considering that Achatz was planning to expand The Aviary, we're sure the Fulton Market lounge won't be going anywhere soon.