Atlantic Ave Magazine - July 2020

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John Brewer...I have asoft spot forrestaurantsand truly feelfor what theygo through50 | july 2020 | www.AtlanticAveMagazine.com
regulars | city peopleby diane feen | Photo by Melissa kormanGood Guy, RestaurantSavior and Hometown HeroIf anyone knows how to takelemons and make lemonadein a pinch, it’s John Brewer.The South Florida native co-founded the Socially Distant SupperClub (SDSC) that has rescued a calvary of family-ownedrestaurants from extinction since COVID-19 came to town.What started out as a quick fix to save faltering food businesseshas become a Facebook Group Page for 15,000 fans and foodies.It has also saved some restaurants from closing their doors afterbeing ordered to curtail their businesses amid the pandemic.For Brewer, the SDSC has been part philanthropy and part history.His stepfather owned The Driftwood in Lantana and he spenthis teen years busing tables there. “I missed out on a lot in highschool because I had to work at the restaurant. Looking back I realizeit made me who I am. That’s why I have a soft spot for restaurantsand truly feel for what they go through, especially in thesetough times,” said the commercial real estate broker who specializesin restaurants.Not only did the Driftwood close after three years, but so didhis parent’s marriage. That life-change cemented Brewer’s appreciationfor family and fatherhood. “I am a big proponent of dadsbeing involved with their kids. Children need their fathers – or asupportive male role model,” said Brewer, who will riff on the subjectof fatherhood at the drop of a hat (and is stepdad to Kailan).Though he did not set out to become a hometown hero with thecreation of the SDSC (with friend Iain Paterson). It just evolvedfrom a conversation the two had after the pandemic hit SouthFlorida in March.“I started seeing restaurants close down; many of them did notknow how to change their business model during the pandemic.They didn’t know how much food to order or how much help theyneeded.”But luckily Brewer did.That’s because his history is a mix of jobs that span the mapand the manner of food exchange. The Atlantic High School gradworked in restaurants and bars in New York City (his favorite being“dive bars”). He waited tables and managed bars in off-beatplaces such as Polly Esther’s, and the Tile Bar on the lower EastSide of Manhattan.From there he went to Las Vegas and was general manager ofBody English at the Hard Rock Resort & Casino, the Palms and thePlayboy Club.But after getting reacquainted with his high school sweetheart(Diane) in 2010, he put roots down in his hometown. “I was readyto leave Vegas and went to Austin, Texas for an interview but ultimatelycame back to Delray. I love Delray and now that I’m home,it has solidified how I always felt about being here.”It also solidified his feelings for Diane. The two were marriedin 2012 and Brewer went on to become general manager of Max’sSocial House, Ceviche Tapas Bar and the Breakers restaurant HMF.That’s why he continues to be the cheerleader and fearless leaderof the SDSC. He does live Facebook videos almost daily and hasa Facebook page that hails restaurants newest culinary creations.It’s not only become a meeting place for foodies around town, butbusiness has increased exponentially in many restaurants.When asked for comments about Brewer, 113 people steppedup to sing his praises: “John Brewer is a Rockstar! A leader whobrought the residents and restaurateurs together to save businessesand educate residents of lesser known restaurants. It’s abeautiful thing!” - Anita Teichman-Comiskey.Rosemary Kelly agrees. “It’s so incredible that the SDSC hasmobilized and led those impacted in our community so positively.Not only have the restaurants benefited, but as a memberI have learned about so many new places in Delray that I hadn’theard of before. Thank you so much - your energy, passion, andenthusiasm are infectious and inspiring.”Not only has Brewer been a constant presence on the SDSCFacebook Page, but his kind heart has been on display as well.Dina Branham, owner of Wine House Social, saw Brewer jumpinto rescue mode when he heard of her plight. He raised money forher legal bills and rallied the foodies and good Samaritans in Delray.“John and this group have taken a terrible situation and volunteeredtheir hearts and souls to support restaurants. As a smallbusiness owner (zoned as a bar and retail store) I wasn’t sureI would be included. When I reached out I was welcomed withopen arms. The people I’ve met are incredible and It’s been ablessing. John has such a passion for SDSC and the community.They helped with my zoning challenges and were generous andkind throughout the ordeal.”If you go the SDSC Facebook page you will see Brewer toutingrestaurants and showing pictures of their luscious fare. Each daydifferent restaurants are featured, and a foodie flash mob springsinto action. Local restaurants post their menus with meals (andspecials) available that day. Members check the SDSC Facebookpage and call their orders in a day in advance, giving restaurantstime to prepare the meals.The concept has been so successful that Brewer and his crewhave been featured on the “Weekend Today” show with KerrySanders. Though Brewer is a superstar of sorts it has not gone tohis head. “I consider myself blessed. This whole SDSC has steamrolledbigger than me and I want to keep it going. We try to keepthe citizens engaged with what ‘s going on in our village by the sea.”The “we” are volunteers who help Brewer take command ofthe burgeoning demands of this flash mob restaurant COVID– related concept. There are chapters opening up around thecountry and all over Florida. The concept is genius and the congratulationsand salutations are endless.www.facebook.com/groups/SociallyDistancedSupperClubwww.AtlanticAveMagazine.com | july 2020 | 51
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Atlantic Ave Magazine - July 2020

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