Beginning of the end for the Keller empire?

Cunningham splits from French Laundry

From the San Francisco Chronicle

Director of operations Laura Cunningham is leaving the French Laundry (6640 Washington St., Yountville) and all of Thomas Keller’s restaurants. Cunningham has been with the French Laundry, and with Keller as a life partner, for around 10 years, and has been instrumental in developing a new style of service — at once relaxed, yet very professional — that has gained national attention.