Acclaimed NYC chef dies suddenly aged 45 as shocked co-workers cope with their loss: ‘We are heartbroken’
Celebrity New York City chef James Kent has died suddenly at the age of 45, as his colleagues were saddened by the shocking loss.
Kent, a renowned chef and owner of Crown Shy, Overstory and Saga restaurants in New York City, is survived by his wife Kelly, their 15-year-old son Gavin and 13-year-old daughter Avery.
News of Kent’s death was first shared via Instagram by his Saga Hospitality Group and restaurants.
“We are heartbroken to share that James Kent passed away unexpectedly earlier today,” the message read.
The post also said that Kent’s family, colleagues and restaurants are focused on supporting each other during this difficult time. Kent’s restaurants were closed on June 16, Father’s Day, to honor his memory.
“The Saga Hospitality Group family is focused on supporting each other and especially Kelly, Gavin and Avery as we grieve the loss of James,” the statement continued.
New York City celebrity chef James Kent has died suddenly at the age of 45, as his grief-stricken colleagues share their shock
Kent, a renowned chef and owner of Crown Shy, Overstory and Saga restaurants in New York City, is survived by his wife Kelly, their 15-year-old son Gavin and 13-year-old daughter Avery.
The post also said that Kent’s family, colleagues and restaurants are focused on supporting each other during this difficult time
“Celebrate Father’s Day with your loved ones,” the message concluded.
Kent’s cause of death has not yet been released.
He worked under the mentorship of famous chefs such as Gordon Ramsay.
Acclaimed chefs including Gavin Kaysen, Daniel Boulud, Dan Kluger and Kwame Onwuachi paid tribute to their friend and colleague in heartfelt social media posts.
“What never wavered was his smile, his positive attitude and his love for everyone around him. Our children grew up together, played in the city and made us and my children feel like we deserved to be in that city,” Kaysen wrote.
Bar director of Manhattan’s Kent locations, Harrison Ginsberg, also honored the chef in an Instagram post.
“Thank you for all the memories, laughter, meals and lessons,” he wrote. “I was always in awe of how much you supported me, my career and the bar industry.”
Kent began his journey under the mentorship of celebrity chefs such as Gordon Ramsay, David Bouley and Jean-Georges
Two years later he introduced Overstory, a sky bar ranked among the 50 best bars in the world, followed by Saga, which received two Michelin stars and is located in the same building.
Kent owned two Michelin-starred restaurants, Saga and Crown Shy, along with his award-winning cocktail bar, Overstory, located in downtown Manhattan.
The Solarium at Saga – one of two Michelin star restaurants that Kent owned
Born and raised in Lower Manhattan, Kent rose to fame in New York City’s financial district with a string of successful restaurants under his Saga Hospitality Group.
He also had plans to open five additional restaurants in partnership with Parisian luxury department store Printemps on Wall Street in 2025, as reported by Eater New York.
‘You had no friends. You had family. Thank you for letting me be part of your family. I appreciate every moment I had with you,” he added. “James, I will forever remember the lessons you taught me. I will forever hold myself to a higher standard.”
Born and raised in Lower Manhattan, Kent rose to fame in New York City’s financial district with a string of successful restaurants under his Saga Hospitality Group.
He owned two Michelin-starred restaurants, Saga and Crown Shy, along with his award-winning cocktail bar, Overstory, located in downtown Manhattan.
Kent’s death came as he prepared to launch a new restaurant at 360 Park Avenue South in partnership with Bravo’s Top Chef star Danny Garcia.
He also had plans to open five additional restaurants in partnership with Parisian luxury department store Printemps on Wall Street by 2025, as reported by Eater New York.
Kent’s death came as he prepared to launch a new restaurant at 360 Park Avenue South in partnership with Bravo’s Top Chef star Danny Garcia (pictured with his wife Kelly)
Kent’s restaurants will be closed on June 16, Father’s Day, to honor his memory (pictured with his wife and children)
Kent’s cause of death has not yet been announced (photo with his wife Kelly)
Additionally, he worked on opening a seafood restaurant on Park Avenue and a bakery in Brooklyn, according to Eater.
Kent began his journey under the mentorship of celebrity chefs such as Gordon Ramsay, David Bouley and Jean-Georges.
He was executive chef at Eleven Madison Park before becoming executive chef at Nomad from 2013 to 2017.
In 2019, Kent opened Crown Shy, which earned a Michelin star for its critically acclaimed a la carte menu.
Two years later he introduced Overstory, a sky bar ranked among the 50 best bars in the world, followed by Saga, which received two Michelin stars and is located in the same building.