Legendary New York City chef James Kent has died at age 45

James Kent, The legendary chef behind some of New York’s Best restaurantsDeceased, his restaurants and hospitality group announced on Saturday.

„We are heartbroken to share that James Kent has passed away unexpectedly today,” Saga Hospitality Group announced the 45-year-old chef’s death in an Instagram post. Kent presided over some of the most luxurious restaurants in New York City, including Crown Shy, Overstory and Saga.

„The Saga Hospitality Group family is focused on supporting each other and most importantly Kelly, Gavin and Avery as we mourn the loss of James,” Kent’s wife and children said. The post ended with a message asking followers to spend Father’s Day with their loved ones.

Kent’s cause of death was not released by the hospitality team or his family at the time of publication.

Harrison Ginsberg, Bar Director and Head of Beverage, Kent’s Restaurants Group, Weighed in on Kent’s death.

„Thank you for all the memories, laughs, meals and lessons,” Ginsberg wrote. „I’ve always been in awe of how much you’ve supported me in my career, the bar industry,” he continued.

Kent was a New York City-born chef whose restaurants dominated the food scene, earning accolades including two Michelin stars for his landmark restaurant Saga, a Michelin star for Crown Shy, a downtown Manhattan restaurant, and a spot on the rankings. The best bars in the world For Overstory, the 64th floor bar on Wall Street. In 2010, Kent won the Bocus d’Or USA.

Award-winning chef Gavin Geisen paid tribute to Kent. In an Instagram post, she recounted the memories she shared with the chef and expressed her shock at the news.

„His smile, his positive attitude and his love for everyone around him never wavered. Our kids grew up together, playing in town and making me and my kids feel like we deserved to be in that town,” Keison wrote.

Other notable New York City chefs and restaurateurs such as Daniel Boulud, Dan Kluger, Kwame Onwuachi and The Dead Rabbit Pub also shared tributes to Kent in Instagram posts.