We’re looking forward to introducing you to James Renew. Check out our conversation below.
Hi James , thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What is a normal day like for you right now?
Up at 8am, 830am dog walk, 8:45 emails, texts. 9am drive to Jimmy Renners burger co.. 9:45 prep list, order produce and other goods, Pre-shift with staff. 10:15am drive to Estuary NPR 10:40, Put away orders from the morning produce and seafood deliveries. Quality check everything, 11:15 Look at our reservations for the day and next few. Put prep for dinner service. 2:30pm Pre shift with Kitchen staff. Continue to prep for dinner. 3:30pm Pre-shift dinner front of house staff, go over cocktail and wine menus. 4pm Dinner service starts, taste all ingredients on the line with our Chef de cuisine. 4:30 drive to Little Lamb gastropub. 5:15 pm Line check, taste food, talk to Chefs and discuss menu for the evening and next week. Talk to bar staff about cocktail and wine menus. 6pm drive back to Jimmy Renners burger co. .6:30pm talk to staff, check all product and catering events for the day or week. Answer the daily email (roughly 20-30) Do any other office work or the agenda for the day. 7:15pm drive home. 8pm Get cleaned up, walk the dog, eat dinner. 8:45 menu planning/ Do Social media for the 3 restaurants. 9:30pm. Try to unwind from the day, Talk to my wife and kids for a few minutes, make sure I have uniform’s for the next day. 11:30pm bedtime. This is a 6 day a week thing.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My Name Is James Renew Chef and Owner of The Little Lamb Gastropub, Estuary, and Jimmy Renner’s burger co.. I have been in the hospitality business for 34 years. I’ve been a chef for 20 years working in everything from fine dining restaurants to Mega event catering in stadiums and convention centers.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
I think the moment was more than a single moment but a the time I spent working in Sydney Australia. Meeting and spending time with so many people from all over the world. Really diving into different cultures and food. Best time of my life.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
In 2000 when covid 19 hit Florida we had just relaunched our 30 seat restaurant. We added 122 seats and a massive 17 seat full liquor bar. We also added 3X the amount of bills and labor. Seven days after we launched Florida shut down restaurants. We closed the doors. I didn’t have clue what to do or how to pay the bills and staff. We all took a day to think about it. The staff called a meeting at one of their houses. We all talked about how we could survive through this terrible event. The staffed looked at me and said F- that we are NOT closing! We came up with a plan to pool tips from to-go orders. We have some amazing clientele that really over tipped and ordered from us a lot! They helped us make it through the pandemic.
I was so close to just closing the doors, and given up. My staff at the Little Lamb really pushed me into not closing and ultimately being a successful restaurant all these years later. I can’t thank the team and my wife enough for helping push through.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes, 100% I wear my heart on my sleeve and I say what I feel when I talk. I have No filter, sometimes to my detriment.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: When do you feel most at peace?
When I’m on Manly beach, NSW with a Kebob in my hand.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.estuarynpr.com www.thelittlelambgastropub.com www.jimmyrenners.com
- Instagram: @thelittlelambgastropub @estuarynpr @jimmyrenners
