July 2, 2025 Your Source for Brentwood News

Michelin-Starred Chef James Kent Passes Away, Saga Hospitality Group Announces

Chef Kent Is Remembered for His Culinary Excellence and Charity Work

The Saga Hospitality Group announced the death of Michelin-starred chef James Kent on June 15 with great sadness on its Instagram. Chef Kent is survived by his wife, Kelly, son Gavin, and daughter Avery. 

Chef Kent was the creative mind behind Pacific Park’s newest food destination, Snackville, at the Santa Monica Pier. 

The statement said, “We are heartbroken to share that James Kent passed away unexpectedly earlier today. The Saga Hospitality Group family is focused on supporting each other and, most importantly, Kelly, Gavin, and Avery as we grieve James’ loss.”

Jeff Klocke, General Manager at Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier, said in an emailed statement, “It is with profound sadness and a heavy heart that we acknowledge the sudden passing of our partner and friend, Chef James Kent. He was a valued member of our Pacific Park team and contributed immensely to our culinary vision of the amusement park. We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends and colleagues.”

James Kent was executive chef and owner of Crown Shy and Saga restaurants, both located in the landmark Art Deco building at 70 Pine Street in New York’s Financial District. Crown Shy, the first of those restaurants, opened in March 2019. Just six months later, the restaurant was awarded a Michelin star. Saga, a fine-dining restaurant in the tiered spire of the building, opened in August of 2021. In October 2022, Saga was awarded two Michelin stars. One floor above Saga is Overstory, a cocktail bar ranked 17 on the list of the World’s 50 Best Bars.

Kent was an active supporter of a number of charities working to eradicate childhood hunger in New York City, including No Kid Hungry and ReThink Food, for which he sits on the Chef’s Council. Kent has twice co-chaired the annual Chef’s Benefit dinner for Cookies for Kids Cancer, a nationally recognized organization that provides funding for pediatric cancer research. He was a mentor for the Ment’Or organization devoted to inspiring culinary excellence in young professionals and preserving the traditions and quality of cuisine in America.

Related Posts

(Video) Los Angeles County Supervisor from the 2nd district, Holly J. Mitchel, Gives a Powerful Speech

June 30, 2025

June 30, 2025

Supervisor Mitchell Called on Residents to take action at the rally for Ambrocio “Enrique” Lozano in Culver City.

Top Military Commander Urges Return of Troops Deployed to ICE Protest Response

June 30, 2025

June 30, 2025

General Requests 200 National Guard Soldiers Be Returned to California Wildfire Unit The senior U.S. military officer overseeing federal forces...

Second Victim Killed Alongside LAPD Sergeant in Brentwood 405 Crash Identified

June 30, 2025

June 30, 2025

Authorities Confirm Garcia, 34, Died at the Scene, GoFundMe Launched  Authorities have identified the civilian who was killed alongside a...

The Westside Lights Up for July 4: Fireworks, Drone Shows, and Parades Return Across West Los Angeles

June 30, 2025

June 30, 2025

From Marina Del Rey’s Fireworks to Culver City’s 1980s-Themed Drone Show, Get Ready to Celebrate From fireworks over Marina del...

(Video) Culver City Residents and City and County Leaders Rally for Disappeared Ice Cream Man Ambrocio “Enrique” Lozano

June 29, 2025

June 29, 2025

US Representative for California’s 37th Congressional District, Sydney Kamlager-Dove Speaks About What is happening to the disappeared.

City Issues Determination That Could Clear Way for Barry Building Demolition

June 29, 2025

June 29, 2025

Preservation Deemed Infeasible Due to Economic and Social Factors The historic Barry Building on San Vicente Boulevard may soon face...

Historic Sawtelle Nursery Site Could Become 40-Unit Townhome Complex

June 29, 2025

June 29, 2025

Sawtelle Continues to Change as Nursery Site Faces Redevelopment Plans have been submitted to redevelop a nursery site, F.K. Nursery,...

Drake Slashes Price on Beverly Hills Estate to $79 Million Amid Market Slowdown

June 29, 2025

June 29, 2025

Price Cut Adds to a Broader Retreat From His Los Angeles Real Estate Holdings. Musician Drake has reduced the price...

Iranian Pastor in West L.A. Speaks as Church Rocked by Immigration Raids 

June 28, 2025

June 28, 2025

Five Detained as Fear Spreads Through Persian Christian Faith Community  Fear has spread through a West Los Angeles congregation after...

TV Writer Jon Cowan Brings Legal Thriller Proof to Diesel A Bookstore in Brentwood

June 28, 2025

June 28, 2025

The Suits Producer and First-Time Novelist Will Discuss His Debut Courtroom Drama Television writer and producer Jon Cowan will appear...

Cinespia Brings Fireworks and Fan Favorites to Hollywood Forever This July

June 27, 2025

June 27, 2025

Watch Top Gun, La La Land, and More Under the Stars at Hollywood Forever Cinespia, Los Angeles’ iconic outdoor movie...

California Doubles Down on Hollywood: $750M in Tax Credits Approved for Film and TV Industry

June 27, 2025

June 27, 2025

State Lawmakers Back Major Expansion of Production Incentives, Raising Job Projections Los Angeles’ film and television industry is poised to...

Brentwood Gardener Brutally Attacked by Squatter; Neighbors Demand Action

June 27, 2025

June 27, 2025

Rodolfo Roman Was Hospitalized After Being Beaten With a Metal Pole Tensions are rising in a Brentwood neighborhood after a...

EEEEEATSCON Los Angeles Returns with Star Chefs, Firefighter Tribute, and Wildfire Relief Efforts

June 27, 2025

June 27, 2025

Culinary Festival Features Exclusive Restaurant Collabs, Support for Small Businesses  EEEEEATSCON Los Angeles, the celebrated food festival curated by The...

Supporters to Gather This Weekend for Longtime Culver City Paleta Seller Held in Detention

June 27, 2025

June 27, 2025

Family and Neighbors Will Gather Sunday to Sell Paletas and Raise Funds Supporters will gather this Sunday at Veterans Park...