Renowned New York chef James Kent has died at the age of 43.
Saga Hospitality Group, the holding company for Kent's two Manhattan restaurants, announced his death in a statement posted to Instagram over the weekend.
“We are heartbroken to share that James Kent passed away unexpectedly today,” read the caption of the post, which showed a photo of Kent in his chef's uniform.
“The Saga Hospitality Group family is focused on supporting each other and, most importantly, Kelly, Gavin and Avery as we mourn the loss of James,” the caption continued, referring to Kent's wife and two children.
The post also noted that all three Kent locations (Crown Shy, Saga and Overstory) were closed on June 16, while encouraging people to “celebrate Father's Day with [their] loved ones.” Kent's cause of death was not revealed in the publication.
In the comments, many New York City-based businesses and customers of Kent's restaurants expressed how saddened they were by his passing and sent their condolences to his family.
“Completely heartbroken and devastated. Chef, thank you for the miles, the guidance, the laughter, for sitting with us at dinner to share stories from your grandmother's kitchen, for letting us into your kitchen, your home and your heart,” Bandit Running Store wrote. “We will cherish those memories forever. “They don’t make them like you anymore.”
“I'm so stunned we were together just a week ago,” wrote renowned chef Philip Tessier. “On top of the world, literally and figuratively. Jamal was the absolute best, I can't find the words for this. Praying for you and the kids, Kelly.”
The magazine's editor, Nilou Motamed, added: “In total shock and heartbroken. All the goodness gathered in an exceptionally talented human being. New York has lost a legend. We love you, Jaime. Rest in power.”
In New York City, Kent owned two Michelin-starred restaurants, Saga and Crown Shy, both of which share the same building in Manhattan's financial district. He also owns a cocktail bar, Overstory, also in the same building.
He had plans to expand his career, since The New York Times reported in April that he and Saga Hospitality Group leased 3,000 square feet of space to Two Trees Management. The space was on the ground floor of the former Domino Sugar refinery and Kent planned to convert it into a bakery and casual restaurant.
Following the news of Kent's death, many of his colleagues also took to Instagram to honor him. Harrison Ginsberg, bar manager at Kent's three Manhattan locations, shared a photo with the late chef and his friends, along with a lengthy tribute.
“Chef, thank you for all the memories, laughter, meals and lessons,” he wrote in the caption. “I was always amazed at how much you supported me, my career, the bar industry. You became a fixture in the global community of lawyers. “You didn’t have to do this, but you did it for us, because you wanted us to succeed.”
Harrison went on to express what he admired most about Kent, as well as the gratitude he felt for his friendship.
“Sometimes it's like you have a sixth sense. You always looked me in the eyes and told me that you were there for me, as a friend, as a brother. That's how you were. That's what you were for all of us,” she concluded. “You didn't have friends. You had family. Thank you for allowing me to be part of your family. I cherish every moment I had with you. James, I will always remember the lessons you taught me. I will always hold myself to a higher standard.
The independent Saga Hospitality Group has been contacted for comment.
