‘Community is Key’
Gary Usher has worked at Michelin starred Chester Grosvenor, Chapter One, Chez Bruce, York & Albany and Jamie’s Italian. After honing his trade in London, Usher moved back home to Chester & bought a neighbourhood bistro (2011). Three years later Gary set out to open his second restaurant, using crowdfunding & Twitter as a means to raise awareness & finance. This was a UK first for a restaurant and was a resounding success; it attracted much interest throughout the hospitality industry & national media.
In total Gary’s successful crowdfunding campaigns have raised over one million pounds from approximately 7000 (non0equity) backers. Gary was the subject of a 2019 Channel 4 documentary, “The Rebel Chef” featuring the crowdfunding campaign to raise £50k in 24 hours to open Pinion, Prescot The target was reached in 59 minutes! Usher was awarded a special achievement award at 2018 Northern Restaurant & Bar. He was named by The Caterer as one of the Top 100 most influential people in the industry.
Photo Credit:Dan Burns