The restaurant industry in New York City is reeling from the sudden and tragic passing of renowned chef James Kent. At the age of 45, Kent suffered a heart attack, leaving behind his wife, Kelly, and their children, Gavin and Avery. Known for his outstanding culinary talents, Kent had garnered accolades for his establishments, including Crown Shy and Saga, as well as his cocktail bar, Overstory.

The news of Kent's death was initially shared by his restaurant group, who extended their condolences and encouraged everyone to cherish Father's Day with their loved ones. The official cause of his untimely demise was confirmed by a representative to be a heart attack.

Kent's impact on the restaurant community was profound, as evidenced by the outpouring of tributes across social media platforms. Described by his peers as a mentor and friend, he had earned the highest respect within the industry. Chefs and colleagues remembered him as a supportive figure and a source of inspiration.

Many of Kent's establishments, including Crown Shy, were closed on Sunday to allow staff members to grieve. However, his wife, Kelly, chose to keep the doors open, providing a space for others in the industry to pay their respects. The atmosphere was filled with flowers, an illustration of Kent, and a Biggie Buddha figurine, paying homage to his love for the iconic Brooklyn rapper. Renowned chef Daniel Boulud even sent food as a gesture of solidarity.

Kent's early years in the restaurant industry laid the foundation for his successful career. Raised in Greenwich Village, he discovered his passion for cooking at a young age. At 14, he apprenticed at a local restaurant owned by his neighbor, David Bouley. This experience led him to work at several influential establishments, such as Babbo, Jean-Georges, and Eleven Madison Park, where he eventually rose to the position of chef de cuisine.

Beyond his culinary achievements, Kent's time at Eleven Madison Park was transformative in his personal life. While working there, he became a father to his first child, Gavin, who was named after his coach, Gavin Kaysen, during the Bocuse d'Or culinary competition. This milestone, coupled with experiencing panic attacks, prompted Kent to prioritize mental health and led him to adopt a healthier lifestyle that included running.

As a prominent Black chef in a predominantly white industry, Kent went against the norm by fostering a sense of belonging and support for his colleagues. Chefs such as Michael Adé Elégbèdé, who worked with Kent at Eleven Madison Park, praised him for making them feel included and valued. Kent's emphasis on kindness and compassion created a lasting impact on those who crossed his path.

Grace Kim, who worked at Crown Shy in 2019, admired Kent's unwavering commitment to both his family and colleagues. She recounted how he always made an effort to visit former cooks at their current workplaces, offering words of encouragement and displaying genuine care.

James Kent's passing leaves a significant void in the culinary world, as he was widely regarded as the future of cooking in America. His ability to bridge the gap between traditional and modern approaches earned him praise and admiration from both veteran and emerging chefs.

In memory of Kent's profound contributions to the industry, the Crown High running group, which he started, held a memorial run. Meanwhile, Crown Shy reopened its doors, with Kent's close friend, Gavin Kaysen, offering his support and assistance to the team.

The loss of James Kent is deeply felt within the New York restaurant community, and his legacy as an exceptional chef, mentor, and advocate for mental health will continue to inspire future generations.