Atlantic Ave Magazine - July 2020

regulars | city people
by diane feen | Photo by Melissa korman
Good Guy, Restaurant
Savior and Hometown Hero
If anyone knows how to take
lemons and make lemonade
in a pinch, it’s John Brewer.
The South Florida native co-founded the Socially Distant Supper
Club (SDSC) that has rescued a calvary of family-owned
restaurants from extinction since COVID-19 came to town.
What started out as a quick fix to save faltering food businesses
has become a Facebook Group Page for 15,000 fans and foodies.
It has also saved some restaurants from closing their doors after
being 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 spent
his teen years busing tables there. “I missed out on a lot in high
school because I had to work at the restaurant. Looking back I realize
it made me who I am. That’s why I have a soft spot for restaurants
and truly feel for what they go through, especially in these
tough times,” said the commercial real estate broker who specializes
in restaurants.
Not only did the Driftwood close after three years, but so did
his parent’s marriage. That life-change cemented Brewer’s appreciation
for family and fatherhood. “I am a big proponent of dads
being involved with their kids. Children need their fathers – or a
supportive male role model,” said Brewer, who will riff on the subject
of fatherhood at the drop of a hat (and is stepdad to Kailan).
Though he did not set out to become a hometown hero with the
creation of the SDSC (with friend Iain Paterson). It just evolved
from a conversation the two had after the pandemic hit South
Florida in March.
“I started seeing restaurants close down; many of them did not
know how to change their business model during the pandemic.
They didn’t know how much food to order or how much help they
needed.”
But luckily Brewer did.
That’s because his history is a mix of jobs that span the map
and the manner of food exchange. The Atlantic High School grad
worked in restaurants and bars in New York City (his favorite being
“dive bars”). He waited tables and managed bars in off-beat
places such as Polly Esther’s, and the Tile Bar on the lower East
Side of Manhattan.
From there he went to Las Vegas and was general manager of
Body English at the Hard Rock Resort & Casino, the Palms and the
Playboy Club.
But after getting reacquainted with his high school sweetheart
(Diane) in 2010, he put roots down in his hometown. “I was ready
to leave Vegas and went to Austin, Texas for an interview but ultimately
came 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 married
in 2012 and Brewer went on to become general manager of Max’s
Social House, Ceviche Tapas Bar and the Breakers restaurant HMF.
That’s why he continues to be the cheerleader and fearless leader
of the SDSC. He does live Facebook videos almost daily and has
a Facebook page that hails restaurants newest culinary creations.
It’s not only become a meeting place for foodies around town, but
business has increased exponentially in many restaurants.
When asked for comments about Brewer, 113 people stepped
up to sing his praises: “John Brewer is a Rockstar! A leader who
brought the residents and restaurateurs together to save businesses
and educate residents of lesser known restaurants. It’s a
beautiful thing!” - Anita Teichman-Comiskey.
Rosemary Kelly agrees. “It’s so incredible that the SDSC has
mobilized and led those impacted in our community so positively.
Not only have the restaurants benefited, but as a member
I have learned about so many new places in Delray that I hadn’t
heard of before. Thank you so much - your energy, passion, and
enthusiasm are infectious and inspiring.”
Not only has Brewer been a constant presence on the SDSC
Facebook Page, but his kind heart has been on display as well.
Dina Branham, owner of Wine House Social, saw Brewer jump
into rescue mode when he heard of her plight. He raised money for
her legal bills and rallied the foodies and good Samaritans in Delray.
“John and this group have taken a terrible situation and volunteered
their hearts and souls to support restaurants. As a small
business owner (zoned as a bar and retail store) I wasn’t sure
I would be included. When I reached out I was welcomed with
open arms. The people I’ve met are incredible and It’s been a
blessing. John has such a passion for SDSC and the community.
They helped with my zoning challenges and were generous and
kind throughout the ordeal.”
If you go the SDSC Facebook page you will see Brewer touting
restaurants and showing pictures of their luscious fare. Each day
different restaurants are featured, and a foodie flash mob springs
into action. Local restaurants post their menus with meals (and
specials) available that day. Members check the SDSC Facebook
page and call their orders in a day in advance, giving restaurants
time to prepare the meals.
The concept has been so successful that Brewer and his crew
have been featured on the “Weekend Today” show with Kerry
Sanders. Though Brewer is a superstar of sorts it has not gone to
his head. “I consider myself blessed. This whole SDSC has steamrolled
bigger than me and I want to keep it going. We try to keep
the citizens engaged with what ‘s going on in our village by the sea.”
The “we” are volunteers who help Brewer take command of
the burgeoning demands of this flash mob restaurant COVID
– related concept. There are chapters opening up around the
country and all over Florida. The concept is genius and the congratulations
and salutations are endless.
www.facebook.com/groups/SociallyDistancedSupperClub
www.AtlanticAveMagazine.com | july 2020 | 51