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1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesChef Jamal “James” Kent died in New York on June 15, 2024, at age 45. A representative confirmed that he died of a heart attack. Kent was the chef and restaurateur behind Crown Shy, Saga and the cocktail bar Overstory.
What happened to James Kent?
Saga Hospitality Group announced Kent’s death. In a statement reported by Restaurant Business on June 17, 2024, the group said: “We are heartbroken to share that James Kent passed away unexpectedly earlier today.” The announcement also said the group was focused on supporting his wife, Kelly, and their children, Gavin and Avery.
The cause of death was reported as a heart attack, confirmed by a representative to the Los Angeles Times and Restaurant Business.
Who was James Kent?
Kent was a New York chef whose career included kitchens at Bouley, Jean-Georges, Babbo and Gordon Ramsay. He joined Eleven Madison Park in 2007, where he became chef de cuisine, and later served as opening executive chef at NoMad. He eventually left to build his own restaurant group. The Los Angeles Times and Restaurant Business documented that progression.
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Crown Shy, Saga and Overstory
Kent’s group opened Crown Shy in 2019 and went on to operate it alongside Saga and Overstory in New York. Crown Shy and Saga were restaurants; Overstory was a cocktail bar. Contemporary coverage noted Michelin distinctions for the restaurants during Kent’s tenure, but those historical references should not be taken as confirmation of their current guide status. The Los Angeles Times and Eater NY covered the group’s venues.
Relais & Châteaux described Saga as a two-Michelin-starred member in its June 2024 tribute and characterized Kent’s approach to hospitality as deliberately accessible. The association wrote: “Despite his success, James’ idea was always to have his restaurants approachable, often himself wearing sneakers, and he dismissed the idea of a dress code.” This is the association’s account in its tribute to Kent.
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Bocuse d’Or
Kent also competed in Bocuse d’Or. According to Eater NY, he won the U.S. competition in 2010 with commis Tom Allan; the pair placed tenth in Lyon in 2011.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.His final project in Los Angeles
Shortly before his death, Kent’s work expanded to California. Snackville, a group of five food stalls at Santa Monica Pier, opened June 7, 2024. The stalls offered smashburgers, funnel cakes, stuffed churros, fries and ice cream, as reported by the Los Angeles Times.
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After Kent’s death, the restaurants said they would reopen and described their aim as “Together, we’ll find a new normal committed to building his legacy,” according to the Times’ report.
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