Today, co-founders Christopher Ruyan and Tyler Jarvis — the genre-defining, innovative minds behind the award-winning sister restaurants, Jackacudas Seafood & Sushi and Brotula’s Seafood House & Steamer — announce an exciting new venture at Chef Tim Creehan‘s Cuvee Destin.
The primary impetus for Creehan’s decision to turn Cuvee Destin over to Savory Restaurant Group is the recent acquisition of his patented Grill Plus Instant Marinade by Kinder’s, the fast growing Walnut Creek, California based organic sauce company. Kinder’s rapid expansion will find Creehan’s time occupied with product development and operations management at the company’s new southeastern division.
“It is such an honor to have been given this opportunity from a longtime mentor and renowned culinary figure,†said co-founder, Jarvis. “Brotula’s and Jackacudas have worked diligently to make a name for themselves through the food and experience served through everyday dining. It is a true testament to our hard work that Chef Creehan has chosen us to carry on his lineage.â€
FRLA Restaurateur of the Year winner, Tim Creehan’s successes include Cuvee Destin, Cuvee 30A, Cuvee Catering, and Destin Ice Market 30A. Creehan’s restaurants have garnered numerous awards, including TripAdvisor’s Certificate of Excellence and Hall of Fame, VIP Destin Magazine’s Best in Destin, Northwest Florida Daily News Finest on the Emerald Coast, consecutive Florida Trend Golden Spoon awards since 2010, and the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence from 2011-2016.
“When I began to consider the next phase of Cuvee Destin’s legacy, I reached out to longtime friend and local business owner, Gary Jarvis,†said Chef Tim Creehan. “Gary put me in touch with Tyler and Chris, and that is where the conversation started. Both Tyler and Chris have outstanding work ethics and their success with Brotula’s and Jackacudas made the decision easy. Although my ownership of the restaurant is ending, the love I have for my loyal patrons and longtime guests is not. I know Tyler and Chris will carry on the same attention to customer service and award winning food that I have. I look forward to seeing what the gentlemen do with Cuvee Destin.â€
The award winning sister restaurants, Jackacudas and Brotula’s, have firmly planted themselves at the forefront of culinary experience with fresh, local seafood, and an emphasis on community engagement that is virtually unparalleled. The two look to inject Cuvee Destin with the same energy, passion and excellence as Chef Tim Creehan displayed so well. “Chef Creehan has fostered an incredible reputation and local following with Cuvee Destin, and that is not something we are trying to change, but simply build upon.†said co-founder, Ruyan. “The new concept is poised to once again redefine the standard for Destin’s restaurant scene.â€
Cuvee Kitchen + Wine Bar will reinvigorate Destin’s restaurant landscape with a fresh and unique dining experience, rooted in the expression of hospitality as both professional craft and genuine community. This transition has been warmly received by both parties, fostered by the long-standing relationship between Creehan and the Jarvis family, who have been iconic members of Destin’s historic fishing and local supply community for decades. Ruyan and Jarvis are both honored and eager to open their now third restaurant, in homage to Chef Creehan’s incredible legacy, and as a further manifestation of their long-standing dedication to “locals serving locals.”
Cuvee Kitchen + Wine Bar will feature a seasonal menu, focusing on local seafood, farm fresh ingredients and premium cuts, backed by a beverage program highlighting craft cocktails, a wide-range wine list, social happy hours and more. Cuvee Kitchen + Wine Bar is located at 36120 Emerald Coast Parkway, Destin, Florida 32541. Scheduled to open Spring 2017, the kitchen and wine bar will be open Monday – Sunday for lunch and dinner, beginning at 11:00 a.m.
Cuvee is quality. It is precision. It is passion and dedication, manifest. It is a cultivated expression of creativity, cuisine, and community. For Destin’s entrepreneurial icon Tim Creehan, it has been a legacy of almost a decade in the making. And now, the time has come to pass the torch on to the next generation of culinary auteurs, Christopher Ruyan and Tyler Jarvis. A new chapter begins.
Photo Attached by Lexi Willcoxon. From L to R:Â Christopher Ruyan, Tyler Jarvis and Chef Tim Creehan.