Culinary Tales: Chef John Seymour
“Do what you love and you’ll never work another day in your life.” Chef John Seymour fully embodies that mantra. A true New Yorker his entire life, the self-taught chef opened a popular burger joint called Pop’s of Brooklyn in 2007. He followed that up with a Manhattan location and then made the bold move of opening a chicken & waffle spot called Sweet Chick in 2013. The latter now has two locations (Lower East Side & Brooklyn), and with iconic Queens rapper Nas recently coming on as a major investor, additional Sweet Chick locations are currently being planned around the country. Chef John recently visited the Onassis store & café for a cappuccino and a chat. See our conversation below:
How did the idea for starting your restaurant Sweet Chick first come about?
We wanted to create a place that the neighborhood could enjoy. A place where you could meet friends and hang out, eat great food and listen to good music. When I realized that chicken and waffles were originally from NY, I wanted to make the best version and create the restaurant around that.
Did you go to the school to be a chef or did you pick up your skills somewhere else?
I get this question a lot and it’s funny because I’m not a chef. I’m very curious about food and I am very involved with creating our menu and concepts, but I’m a way better home chef.
What would you say is the most popular thing on the menu at Sweet Chick?
Always the classic Chicken & waffles.
Tell us about the involvement of legendary Queens rapper Nas with your restaurant. That must be quite exciting!
Personally it’s been a true NY story for me. To have my favorite artist join the team and believe in what we are doing is beyond exciting. Nas is investing in our brand, but he also brings his own ideas and perspective as to how we will move in the future.
It’s obvious from the way you carry yourself that you pay attention to style. Do you have a basic style philosophy or does it all depend on your mood for the day?
It does really depend on my mood but I like to keep things simple. Style has to feel good on you. I’m always looking for something simple with a subtle detail that will separate it from basic to stylish.
With the coming Fall season and cooler weather, what are 3 staples we’re always going to find in your closet?
1. Onassis shawl collar cable sweater.
2. My collection of boots.
3. Vintage flannels & thermal shirts.
Talk to us about your tattoos. When did you first start getting them, and is there a specific significance to them?
I got my first tattoo when I was 15 in Ireland while I was visiting some cousins. Since then I’ve been collecting them along the way and have stopped counting. Some have more significance than others but they all tell a story.
What do you think it is about NYC style and swagger that makes it unique from anywhere else?
Just think about the impact NYC has had on art & culture over the past century. Now think about the style … I’m obviously biased, being a native New Yorker, but New York is the Mecca of style & culture.
Being that you’re around delicious food everyday, do you have a specific regimen/diet to keep yourself fit and trim?
Food is a huge part of enjoying life so I don’t count calories. I eat what I want in moderation and hit the gym regularly so I can enjoy life for a long time to come. Food and fitness should be a lifestyle, but best believe, I’m eating a stack of pancakes with my kids on the weekend!
Lastly, do you want to share any of the upcoming plans and expansions for Sweet Chick in the coming years?
With Nas’s help, we plan to open a few more spots in the next few years. I think it’s safe to say Queens will definitely be in the plans.
For more information about John Seymour & Sweet Chick Restaurant, visit www.sweetchicknyc.com.
