James Kent, a chef who was building an empire is dead at the young age of 45. A representative for the group confirmed the cause of death was a heart attack.
Chef Kent was a husband and father of two. He is survived by his wife Kelly, son Gavin, 15, and daughter Avery, 13.
His death comes as he was preparing to open another restaurant in N.Y.C. at 360 Park Avenue South with Bravo’s Top Chef star, Danny Garcia, in a couple of months.
How Chef James Kent died
Kent’s death was confirmed to PEOPLE by his representative on Saturday, June 15, 2024.
His passing was first announced in a joint post shared on Instagram by his Saga Hospitality Group and restaurants. “We are heartbroken to share that James Kent passed away unexpectedly earlier today,” a statement read.
“The Saga Hospitality Group family is focused on supporting each other and most importantly Kelly, Gavin and Avery as we grieve James’ loss,” the statement continued, adding that Kent’s restaurants would be closed on June 16, which is also Father’s Day.
“Celebrate Father’s Day with your loved ones,” the post concluded.
Harrison Ginsberg, the bar director and head of beverages for Kent’s group of restaurants, weighed in on Kent’s death saying;
Chef,
Thank you for all the memories, Laughs, meals, and lessons.
I was always in awe of how much you supported me, my career, the bar industry. You became a fixture in the Global Bar Community. You didn’t have to do this, but you did it for us, because you wanted us to succeed. I’ll never forget the first time you came to 50 best with us. As they called Overstory you grabbed my arm, pulled me back and said the most Jamal thing I can think of. “Yo Harrison, take a second. Remember this moment, remember how this feels.”
It’s like you had a sixth sense at times. You’d always look me in the eye and tell me you were there for me, as a friend, as a brother. That’s just who you were. That’s who you were to all of us.
You didn’t have friends. You had family. Thanks for allowing me to be a part of your family. I appreciate every moment I had with you.
James, I’ll forever remember the lessons you taught me. I’ll forever hold myself to a higher standard.
Thank you Chef,
Harrison
Chef Kent biography and life history
Kent was born and raised in Lower Manhattan and led a series of successful restaurants in the Financial District area of N.Y.C. under his hospitality group, created in partnership with investment firm SC Holdings.
In 2010, Kent won the Bocuse d’Or USA.
Award-winning chef Gavin Kaysen paid tribute to Kent in an Instagram post recounting memories he shared with the chef and expressing shock at the news, sharing that he is “angry that the universe has taken from us without an apology or a reason.”
