Barnstaple restaurant manager becomes burger king
Jason quits top restaurant job to set up burger van business
A WELL-known Barnstaple restaurant manager has left the job he loves to flip burgers for a living instead.
As the ‘face’ of 62 The Bank for the last 10 years, Jason Clark has welcomed and looked after thousands of diners at the popular Boutport Street bistro.
But after being “front of house” for a decade, the sharp-suited general manager and maitre d’ has now decided to get behind the counter and go into business for himself.
Jason, 37, from Yeo Vale, put in an emotional farewell shift at 62 The Bank on Thursday – also his birthday – to start up his own mobile catering firm supplying high-quality burgers to outside events.
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“I’ve been running other people’s restaurants for years and the time is right to do something new and exciting,” said Jason, who has spent for more than 20 years working in hotels, restaurants and bars around the world.
“I’ve totally loved my time at 62 The Bank and have been very lucky that the Brends have allowed me to run the place as if it were my own – I owe them massively for letting me do my own thing.
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“The restaurant has been my second home for 10 years and at times it’s been more like my first home.
“But I have a three-year-old daughter now and I want to be able to spend more time with her. It’ll be nice to think that I can pack up the units at the end of the day and walk away from work.”
On Sunday, Jason had already swapped his trademark suit for a polo shirt and apron to serve burgers at the Atlantic Watersports Games on Bideford Quay.
His new firm, The Lush Food Company, offers a host of mouth-watering gourmet burgers for people on the go.
“We are not your average burger van,” said Jason. “Where ever possible we source great local produce from North Devon and we always serve with style.”
Despite the change in direction, Jason said he’ll still miss his old role.
“I’ve really enjoyed my time at 62 The Bank; having the right team – front and back – has really helped the place to work.
“I’ll also miss the customers, some of whom I’ve got to know really well over the years.”
