Sanford (Sandy) and Angie D'Amato sold their award-winning restaurant, Sanford, 1547 N. Jackson St., plus the family building in which it resides, to their Chef de Cuisine, Justin Aprahamian.

The D'Amatos operated Sanford for 23 years.

Chef Aprahamian has worked for the D'Amato's for over 10 years, the last four of which he was at the helm of the Sanford kitchen.

Chef Aprahamian and his fiancé, Sarah Mudrock (who has worked for the D'Amato's for 9 years in management, administrative and serving roles) will retain the long-standing kitchen and service team.

The "modern ethnic" menu will continue to explore and put a contemporary twist on the traditional cuisines of the globe, including Aprahamian's own Armenian heritage.

In addition to Aprahamian's continued support of farming communities and artisan producers, he has planted a restaurant garden from which he will supplement the Sanford menu.

"We are excited and humbled to be given the opportunity to continue the traditions of Sanford Restaurant," says Chef Aprahamian. "We want to thank Sandy and Angie for their years of dedication to us, to the staff, to the guests of Sanford, and to Milwaukee."

However, the D'Amato's are not retiring. They will continue to consult for the restaurant. Sandy is in the midst of writing his first book, "Good Stock," a memoir/cookbook, due for release in autumn of 2013 by Agate Publishing. Future plans include conducting private cooking classes from their farm in rural Massachusetts, where they own a second home.