Cafe Joelle

James’ youth like many in this field started as a bus boy, server and bartender. James had an interest in poker after college and he went on to win the 2005 United States Poker Championship. This allowed him to experience travel and fine dinning restaurants and eventually led him to pursue a career in the hospitality business. James started as an assistant manager at la Tavola, one of three DeNicola Brother Concept’s restaurants, and eventually became General Manager and helped inspire and build the restaurant to become voted a Newsday Top 10 restaurant on Long Island in 2008, the only remaining operating restaurant on that list today. James’ true hospitality alongside his expertise in mixology, wine and food service have brought him to his position today. James received the proper mentoring and groundwork to move to the next step of his career; ownership.

Kyle, like James, also grew up in Sayville. Cafe Joelle is an extremely familiar feeling since the Kenny family owned and operated a business on Main Street in Sayville for more than 30 years. He looks to keep the tradition alive and be part of another successful business contributing to the town and community as he remembers throughout his childhood and early adult life.