The people behind 8 East

Originally from Southern Indiana, Johnathan’s path to becoming a chef wasn’t one he had planned from childhood. His interest in cooking began during college, when he discovered that something he genuinely enjoyed could become a career. Rather than taking the traditional culinary school route, he built his education in restaurant kitchens, developing his craft through years of hands-on experience.

One of the most influential people in that journey was Chef Garrett Welch, whom Johnathan began working with at just 17 years old. Garrett became both a mentor and an inspiration, helping shape his skills in the kitchen and ultimately inspiring him to pursue cooking professionally.

Over the next 13 years, Johnathan spent time cooking in Orlando and throughout Brevard County, eventually becoming a restaurant owner himself in Indialantic, Florida. Those experiences helped develop the style he brings to 8 East today: a creative interpretation of classic French cooking with an emphasis on quality ingredients, thoughtful preparation, and dishes designed to spark conversation.

At 8 East, seasonality plays an important role in the kitchen. Rather than building an oversized menu, Johnathan prefers a focused collection of dishes that can evolve throughout the year, allowing the flavors and ingredients of each season to influence what’s on the plate. Being in Cocoa Beach provides another advantage—the opportunity to work with fresh seafood and produce and let those ingredients help guide the menu.

For Johnathan, a memorable dish should do more than simply taste good. It should showcase what great ingredients can become, both in flavor and presentation, and ideally spark a conversation around the table. It’s an approach that can be seen throughout the 8 East menu, including one of the dishes he’s most excited to serve: the scallops.

But for Johnathan, 8 East is about more than what’s on the plate.

What drew him to the restaurant was the Cocoa Beach community—the locals, fellow restaurant owners, and the relationships that come from being part of a close-knit coastal town. His goal is to help create the kind of restaurant people choose when an evening calls for something special, while still making every guest feel comfortable and at home.

He wants guests to leave 8 East feeling like they’ve had one of their best dining experiences—and already thinking about coming back to have that favorite dish again.

Outside the restaurant, things are considerably simpler. Johnathan loves homemade pizza nights and simple meals with his family.

Favorite food

Steak

Ultimate comfort food

Chips and salsa

Can’t cook without

Butter

Favorite role

Being a Dad

Guests might never guess

He’s an identical twin

His journey began in a small Irish town, collecting glasses and cleaning ashtrays at a local pub. What started as a simple job grew into a lifelong passion for hospitality, fueled by something that has always mattered most to James—people.

Over the years, James worked in some of Dublin’s busiest establishments in the iconic Temple Bar district before moving to New York City. There, he worked at an Irish bar near Wall Street while managing Deity, a boutique event venue in Brooklyn specializing in intimate weddings and celebrations.

Having traveled to more than 50 countries and worked in four—Ireland, Hungary, Australia, and the United States—James has developed a unique appreciation for the ways people connect over food, drinks, and conversation.

Nearly six years ago, James moved to Brevard County to work alongside Jason Bunin at Flavour Kitchen in Cocoa Beach, where he built lasting relationships within the local community.

While his career began with a love for people, his curiosity about spirits, wine, and mixology grew along the way. He appreciates the care that goes into a perfectly crafted Old Fashioned, and as a self-proclaimed coffee enthusiast, he’s spent years perfecting his signature Irish coffee.

But for James, great hospitality has never been just about what’s in the glass.

“Everyone has a story to tell. I love creating the right atmosphere for those stories to be shared and new connections to grow.”

It’s a philosophy that has guided him throughout his career. James believes genuine human connection is more important than ever. Whether remembering a guest’s favorite wine, anticipating their needs, or introducing strangers who become friends, he finds the greatest satisfaction in creating memorable experiences.

What excites James most about 8 East is combining the sophistication of fine dining with the warmth of gathering among friends and family. He believes exceptional service should feel attentive, personal, and welcoming—never intimidating.

After six years in Cocoa Beach, James looks forward to welcoming familiar faces and introducing new guests to 8 East. His hope is that guests leave remembering not just a wonderful meal or cocktail, but the feeling of having found somewhere they truly belong.

Outside the restaurant, James enjoys swimming in the ocean, practicing and teaching Pilates, and watching what he admits is probably far too many movies.