Jon Michael McCrory, affectionately known as Chef Mix by the countless hospitality vendors, purveyors, chefs, restaurateurs, and both front and back of house staff he inspired, was a man with a life-long passion for creating, cooking, teaching, and giving back. For nearly 35 years, Chef Mix dedicated his professional career to the hospitality industry, leaving a lasting impact on everyone he encountered.
With his passing in April, Mix's final wish was to create a legacy that would give back to the industry he cherished so deeply. He shared this vision with his wife, Lisa Fay Weltsch and Chris Sedgwick, partner and concept developer of 7Acre BarnGrill in Milton, GA. Mix had a 25-year association with the Sedgwick Group, from the early days at Van Gogh’s, Bistro VG, Vinny’s, Aspen's Steakhouse, and extending through the many chef dinners he hosted at these restaurants. His passion came to life when he and Chris built 7Acre in 2018, a place where Mix's culinary creativity truly flourished.
At his beautiful and touching celebration of life on June 2nd, Mix had compiled a ‘List’ of industry friends and colleagues who had touched his life during his career. Though he had hoped to say his goodbyes in person, he passed on April 12, 2024, before he could fulfill that wish. However, he entrusted Lisa, Chris, and close friend Sean O’Keefe with the mission to build a foundation that would give back to the industry he so dearly loved. The memorial took place at The Pure Franchise offices in a private ‘man cave’ known as “Dave’s Garage,” hosted by Chris and catered by Pure Taqueria, where friends, family, and those on ‘the List’ gathered to honor Mix's legacy.
With the Month of Giving just completed at all Sedgwick Group restaurants, and now throughout October, 7Acre in Milton will pay tribute and honor its original founder and partner by featuring a “Chef Mix-a-Lot Mocktail.” Proceeds from each sale will go to the Chef Mix McCrory Culinary Scholarship Foundation, ensuring that Mix’s legacy of generosity and passion continues to support future generations in the hospitality industry.
The purpose of The Chef Mix McCrory Culinary Scholarship Foundation is to create opportunities that support the next generation of emerging talent in the restaurant industry. As the foundation grows, it will partner with restaurant supporters to identify talent and provide apprenticeships to those who apply for grants and scholarships. Through this foundation, the commitment is to inspire and nurture future chefs who share Mix's love for the culinary arts and his unwavering commitment to excellence.
For more information, visit Chef Mix Foundation and enter Chef Mix Foundation. To learn more about alcohol support in the hospitality industry, visit our friends at Ben’s Friends at Ben's Friends Hope.