Harmon Hospitality is
Chef Darryl Harmon & JAMES STUART.
RESTAURANTS for how people EAT, DRINK, AND CONNECT NOW.
ABOUT US
Harmon Hospitality was founded on friendship and complementary talent. Darryl and James first met in 2017 while leading a seasonal project at New York City’s Seaport. With just two months of preparation, they launched six distinct outlets—an ambitious collaboration that set the tone for everything to come.
Unlike many chef–operator pairings, they clicked. Over the years, that connection evolved into Harmon Hospitality, merging Darryl’s culinary artistry with James’s creative and operational vision.
Today, Harmon Hospitality is Darryl’s platform—a way to channel his talent into partnerships with lasting impact. Backed by James Stuart and his company, Custard, it combines creative direction and brand strategy with Darryl’s craft to deliver restaurants and experiences that inspire and perform.
WHAT WE DO
A Snapshot of Our Capabilities Whether We’re Partners or Consultants.
CULINARY PROGRAMMING
At the heart of everything we do is the food. Darryl develops menus that are expressive, operationally sound, and built for performance—layering flavor, systems, and sourcing to deliver consistency and profitability.
OPERATIONAL STRUCTURE
Great execution is never an accident. We build staffing frameworks, training programs, and service standards that create rhythm, accountability, and culture.
CONCEPT & STRATEGY
We define what the restaurant is and why it matters. From culinary direction and service philosophy to spatial flow and operational DNA, we shape concepts with intent. Every idea begins with food, then expands into experience, culture, and rhythm.
BRANDING & IDENTITY
In partnership with Custard, we translate strategy into identity. Naming, brand positioning, visual direction, and communication frameworks bring clarity, cohesion, and commercial strength to every concept, ensuring the story aligns with the operation it represents.
GUEST EXPERIENCE DESIGN
From service rituals to programming, we define how guests feel, move, and connect, translating operational precision into emotional impact.
FINANCIALS & PERFORMANCE
Budgets, P&L frameworks, and performance metrics turn creativity into measurable results. Our years working in hotels taught us to establish the foundation for smart decision-making.
PROJECT MANAGEMENT
We can manage the path from concept to opening—recruitment, onboarding, and launch strategy that ensure the vision translates seamlessly to reality.
ONGOING ADVISORY
Whether partners or consultants, we monitor performance, refining systems, and drive continuous improvement.
WHY WE’RE HERE
The food and beverage game has changed. A “concept” isn’t just a logo, a menu, and a lease anymore. Guests are sharper—thanks to social, food TV, and the fact that more people cook at home. They know more. They expect more.
Harmon Hospitality develops with intention—every detail considered, every choice with purpose. Menus designed for flavor and flow. Branding that generates energy and creates connection. Service that feels effortless, never scripted. We mentor staff and set the team up for success. We know who we are and who our guests are.
The result: concepts that are uncompromising in quality, approachable in spirit, and unforgettable in execution. Always anchored in one goal—connect with the guest. Food that’s playful and serious all at once. At the heart of it all is Darryl: creator, personality, mentor, legacy builder.
GALLERY
GET IN TOUCH!
Whether you need some culinary consulting or are looking for a Chef/Partner, we’d love to explore.