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John E. Gumbley, President & Founder, is the creative mind behind some of Montreal’s most iconic and long-lasting entertainment brands. A recognized and well-respected businessman, philanthropist, world traveller and dedicated family man, John has helped shape the nightlife, music, entertainment and hospitality industries for many years. His food and beverage brands/concepts like the 1920’s prohibition inspired Bord’Elle, as well as the popularity of his newest creation, The Farsides are constantly amongst the cities most visited venues.

His drive and ambition derives from a place few of us can understand. He was born to a mother both blind and deaf and his father passed away when he was only 5. John grew up mired in extreme poverty and every inch towards his eventual success was hard fought and well-earned. Interestingly enough his first company was a record label he opened at 18, named Rawtari, which is an abbreviated version of Rags to Riches…

While others in the industry may have decided to step back during the Covid era John is leading Jegantic with an eye towards record setting growth for his companies.

Multiple major products are now under development including a Japanese themed Supperclub which will be the largest and most lavish Montreal has ever seen, a classy and elegant Spanish style eatery housed in a cavernous setting, a 5 star Hotel encompassing a high end authentic Italian restaurant as well as the continued expansion of The Farsides.

His dedication to detail and determination to fuse dreamlike scenarios with authentic flavour and style make each one of his creations a distinct entity of its own. This Montreal native is a true trailblazer, not only living up to, but continuously raising international standards as well as the reputation this city has of producing highly creative, trend setting and unique dining and nightlife experiences.

John E. Gumbley, President & Founder, is the creative mind behind some of Montreal’s most iconic and long-lasting entertainment brands. A recognized and well-respected businessman, philanthropist, world traveller and dedicated family man, John has helped shape the nightlife, music, entertainment and hospitality industries for many years. His food and beverage brands/concepts like the 1920’s prohibition inspired Bord’Elle, as well as the popularity of his newest creation, The Farsides are constantly amongst the cities most visited venues.

His drive and ambition derives from a place few of us can understand. He was born to a mother both blind and deaf and his father passed away when he was only 5. John grew up mired in extreme poverty and every inch towards his eventual success was hard fought and well-earned. Interestingly enough his first company was a record label he opened at 18, named Rawtari, which is an abbreviated version of Rags to Riches…

While others in the industry may have decided to step back during the Covid era John is leading Jegantic with an eye towards record setting growth for his companies.

Multiple major products are now under development including a Japanese themed Supperclub which will be the largest and most lavish Montreal has ever seen, a classy and elegant Spanish style eatery housed in a cavernous setting, a 5 star Hotel encompassing a high end authentic Italian restaurant as well as the continued expansion of The Farsides.

His dedication to detail and determination to fuse dreamlike scenarios with authentic flavour and style make each one of his creations a distinct entity of its own. This Montreal native is a true trailblazer, not only living up to, but continuously raising international standards as well as the reputation this city has of producing highly creative, trend setting and unique dining and nightlife experiences.

Kaje Kandiah is our Vice president & Director of Finance. Kaje is a Finance graduate from the John Molson School of Business. During his studies, Kaje discovered his passion for event planning, and since then, has organized large scale events for Concordia and McGill at some of the most successful venues including Muzique Montreal, Beach Club and Moomba, as well as various events in Mexico for Grupo Mandala. It was at Ivy that his skill set was discovered by Jason Tull.

Kaje was selling out the venue on Saturday nights with a unique idea; he would arrange for school buses to safely pick up and drop off groups of students from the West Island, an untapped market at the time. He was introduced to John, who immediately noticed his work ethic and drive taking him under his wing. Kaje soon took over the promotional aspects of the famous venue.

Since that day, he has remained a close study by John’s side, and in 2016 became a partner in all Jegantic venues, events and projects. In addition to dealing with University associations for the organization of medium to large scale events, and the mobilization of in house promotional teams, Kaje also oversees the companies’ growing financials.

Kaje Kandiah is our Vice president & Director of Finance. Kaje is a Finance graduate from the John Molson School of Business. During his studies, Kaje discovered his passion for event planning, and since then, has organized large scale events for Concordia and McGill at some of the most successful venues including Muzique Montreal, Beach Club and Moomba, as well as various events in Mexico for Grupo Mandala. It was at Ivy that his skill set was discovered by Jason Tull.

Kaje was selling out the venue on Saturday nights with a unique idea; he would arrange for school buses to safely pick up and drop off groups of students from the West Island, an untapped market at the time. He was introduced to John, who immediately noticed his work ethic and drive taking him under his wing. Kaje soon took over the promotional aspects of the famous venue.

Since that day, he has remained a close study by John’s side, and in 2016 became a partner in all Jegantic venues, events and projects. In addition to dealing with University associations for the organization of medium to large scale events, and the mobilization of in house promotional teams, Kaje also oversees the companies’ growing financials.

Jason Tull, Director of Marketing, is a true student of the game. Jason has humbly worked his way from a busboy and hand to hand “flyer guy” to the head of marketing at notable venues such as Orchid and Muzique, to where he is today. His first real promotional job was at John’s first nightclub, Orchid, in 2004.

More recently he is busy lending his creative energies to our most recently developed projects The Farsides, a unique fusion of Hawaiian and Thai cuisine, we’ve cheekily termed Thaiwaiian set to a classic Hip Hop style. He has been instrumental in developing marketing strategies and creative food concepts. The restaurant was received so warmly that a second one is already in the works.

Jason has an eye for detail and ability to capitalize on upcoming trends in marketing and social media. He is also a talented writer who attended the exclusive Creative Writing program at Concordia, hence a large part of our literature is a product of his efforts. In terms of vision, to this point, he is the only person other than John that touches any creative or visual content for the brands and he hopes to be able to continue to excite and inspire others with his ideas going forward.

Jason Tull, Director of Marketing, is a true student of the game. Jason has humbly worked his way from a busboy and hand to hand “flyer guy” to the head of marketing at notable venues such as Orchid and Muzique, to where he is today. His first real promotional job was at John’s first nightclub, Orchid, in 2004.

More recently he is busy lending his creative energies to our most recently developed projects The Farsides, a unique fusion of Hawaiian and Thai cuisine, we’ve cheekily termed Thaiwaiian set to a classic Hip Hop style. He has been instrumental in developing marketing strategies and creative food concepts. The restaurant was received so warmly that a second one is already in the works.

Jason has an eye for detail and ability to capitalize on upcoming trends in marketing and social media. He is also a talented writer who attended the exclusive Creative Writing program at Concordia, hence a large part of our literature is a product of his efforts. In terms of vision, to this point, he is the only person other than John that touches any creative or visual content for the brands and he hopes to be able to continue to excite and inspire others with his ideas going forward.

The saying behind every great man lies a great woman was never more true in her case. Shawna Murray, as the wife of our founder, is where the core foundation of our company begins. Family and values. Jegantic would not have come to be without her immense commitment and dedicated contributions and support throughout the years. A Sociology and Women’s studies graduate of McGill University, Shawna has been a foundational pillar in the development of Muzique and a core contributor to the brand across all platforms as well.

Her current role as Director of Social Media at Bord’Elle and Director of Concierge Services for the brand makes it so that very little of our client relations and branding occurs without passing through her hands. In fact nearly each and every of the 4000-5000 monthly guests received at the Farsides are coordinated through her. As a trusted member of the team and our first shareholder we look towards the future knowing the roots are strong.

The saying behind every great man lies a great woman was never more true in her case. Shawna Murray, as the wife of our founder, is where the core foundation of our company begins. Family and values. Jegantic would not have come to be without her immense commitment and dedicated contributions and support throughout the years. A Sociology and Women’s studies graduate of McGill University, Shawna has been a foundational pillar in the development of Muzique and a core contributor to the brand across all platforms as well.

Her current role as Director of Social Media at Bord’Elle and Director of Concierge Services for the brand makes it so that very little of our client relations and branding occurs without passing through her hands. In fact nearly each and every of the 4000-5000 monthly guests received at the Farsides are coordinated through her. As a trusted member of the team and our first shareholder we look towards the future knowing the roots are strong.

Mike De Leon is the quintessential Jack of all trades. A self-taught graphic designer, videographer, DJ, photographer and problem solver, he does many things, and more impressively, he does them well. He was introduced to the nightlife scene in his mid teens as a street promoter/flier guy and worked his way up to promoting his own nights with a few friends by the time he was 18. He was an important force in the early days of both Jet and Orchid which were notable as the first all around commercial Hip Hop and R&B nightclubs in the city. Not content with simply being a promoter, Mike went on to become a DJ and designer and has played and created content for the majority of Montreal’s best venues. Today he is the lead designer/photographer/videographer for John and all Jegantic brands as well as a proud partner in the company’s latest venture, The Farsides.

As the company grows so do his responsibilities and more recently he has worked hard on scouting, developing and managing new talent. In the last 8 years virtually every video, logo, visual or piece of creative work churned out for Jegantic properties is either his direct doing or at the very least overseen by him.

Mike De Leon is the quintessential Jack of all trades. A self-taught graphic designer, videographer, DJ, photographer and problem solver, he does many things, and more impressively, he does them well. He was introduced to the nightlife scene in his mid teens as a street promoter/flier guy and worked his way up to promoting his own nights with a few friends by the time he was 18. He was an important force in the early days of both Jet and Orchid which were notable as the first all around commercial Hip Hop and R&B nightclubs in the city. Not content with simply being a promoter, Mike went on to become a DJ and designer and has played and created content for the majority of Montreal’s best venues. Today he is the lead designer/photographer/videographer for John and all Jegantic brands as well as a proud partner in the company’s latest venture, The Farsides.

As the company grows so do his responsibilities and more recently he has worked hard on scouting, developing and managing new talent. In the last 8 years virtually every video, logo, visual or piece of creative work churned out for Jegantic properties is either his direct doing or at the very least overseen by him.

Lisa Mitchell, graduated from UQAM-ITHQ with a Bachelors in Business Management (Expertise Hotellerie and Restaurant), as well as a Public Relations certificate from McGill, and in both cases she made the Dean’s Honour List. Combining her academic achievements with her lifelong experience in the world of food and beverage, she has a strong understanding of both front and back of house operations. After working at every conceivable position in restaurants and bars during her studies, she completed her schooling and joined Jegantic as an intern in 2017 helping develop manuals, guidelines and administrative techniques, quickly proving herself a valuable asset to the company. Lisa brings a wealth of real life experience and passion to the team!

Today, she works as our executive assistant and project manager directly under John and is heavily involved in many aspects of the companies’ development. Very few things get finalized without her input and final touch.

Lisa Mitchell, graduated from UQAM-ITHQ with a Bachelors in Business Management (Expertise Hotellerie and Restaurant), as well as a Public Relations certificate from McGill, and in both cases she made the Dean’s Honour List. Combining her academic achievements with her lifelong experience in the world of food and beverage, she has a strong understanding of both front and back of house operations. After working at every conceivable position in restaurants and bars during her studies, she completed her schooling and joined Jegantic as an intern in 2017 helping develop manuals, guidelines and administrative techniques, quickly proving herself a valuable asset to the company. Lisa brings a wealth of real life experience and passion to the team!

Today, she works as our executive assistant and project manager directly under John and is heavily involved in many aspects of the companies’ development. Very few things get finalized without her input and final touch.

Navid immigrated to Montreal in the early 90’s from Tehran, Iran to pursue studies in child care which eventually morphed into Management Information Systems at Concordia University. During his studies he took on part time work as a host at the legendary Jello Bar. During this time it became abundantly clear that he possessed unrivalled people skills and he quickly became the face of the live music and cocktail scene in Montreal by the end of the 90’s. After a brief venture as co-owner of a jazzy lounge named Bebops, he returned home to Jello Bar in the year 2001, this time as the owner.

For the next few years he continued to hone and develop his ability and deep understanding of customer service. Today he has been a contributing force to Jegantic, even before the name and concept existed. He has been an essential part in the launches and success of Orchid, Muzique and his current home, Bord’Elle. Today he is the client relations director at Bord’Elle as well as a key contributor to the entire Jegantic brand.

Years of experience in food and beverage
23

Most memorable event thrown
The whole nine yards wrap party @ Jello bar featuring a performance by Bruce Willis

Favourite saying or quote
“Life is good when you know where to go”

Navid immigrated to Montreal in the early 90’s from Tehran, Iran to pursue studies in child care which eventually morphed into Management Information Systems at Concordia University. During his studies he took on part time work as a host at the legendary Jello Bar. During this time it became abundantly clear that he possessed unrivalled people skills and he quickly became the face of the live music and cocktail scene in Montreal by the end of the 90’s. After a brief venture as co-owner of a jazzy lounge named Bebops, he returned home to Jello Bar in the year 2001, this time as the owner.

For the next few years he continued to hone and develop his ability and deep understanding of customer service. Today he has been a contributing force to Jegantic, even before the name and concept existed. He has been an essential part in the launches and success of Orchid, Muzique and his current home, Bord’Elle. Today he is the client relations director at Bord’Elle as well as a key contributor to the entire Jegantic brand.

Years of experience in food and beverage
23

Most memorable event thrown
The whole nine yards wrap party @ Jello bar featuring a performance by Bruce Willis

Favourite saying or quote
“Life is good when you know where to go”

Chef Andrew Bajjani, aka Andrew Ba, has plenty of success and experience under his belt. His beginning in the restaurant world was that of a 16-year-old dishwasher in a trendy Italian spot, and as time passed he constantly elevated his game.

Today after 15 years in the culinary industry Chef Andrew boasts a resume that includes many of Montreal's busiest and trendiest places such as Mediterraneo, Kabana and Mile Public house amongst others. His first experience as a head chef turned out to be the smashing success we all know as Bord’Elle. Being there since day one; Chef Andrew has helped evolve the dinner service from 80 seats to 200 seats, while ensuring that food quality, ticket times, and overall functions during dinner play out as smoothly as possible. Andrews specialty is providing creative dishes with high quality products in high volume, intense supperclub like settings. Very few are as adept at balancing the two worlds. His hard work and dedication did not go unnoticed as he quickly evolved from Chef at Bord’Elle, to the Executive chef of Jegantic Group, overseeing and micromanaging all current and future ventures within the company. Most recently you can find Andrew putting all the finishing menu touches and improving each and every dish at our latest project, The Farsides.

Chef Andrew Bajjani, aka Andrew Ba, has plenty of success and experience under his belt. His beginning in the restaurant world was that of a 16-year-old dishwasher in a trendy Italian spot, and as time passed he constantly elevated his game.

Today after 15 years in the culinary industry Chef Andrew boasts a resume that includes many of Montreal's busiest and trendiest places such as Mediterraneo, Kabana and Mile Public house amongst others. His first experience as a head chef turned out to be the smashing success we all know as Bord’Elle. Being there since day one; Chef Andrew has helped evolve the dinner service from 80 seats to 200 seats, while ensuring that food quality, ticket times, and overall functions during dinner play out as smoothly as possible. Andrews specialty is providing creative dishes with high quality products in high volume, intense supperclub like settings. Very few are as adept at balancing the two worlds. His hard work and dedication did not go unnoticed as he quickly evolved from Chef at Bord’Elle, to the Executive chef of Jegantic Group, overseeing and micromanaging all current and future ventures within the company. Most recently you can find Andrew putting all the finishing menu touches and improving each and every dish at our latest project, The Farsides.

Chris was basically brought up in the Jegantic system. His early years in hospitality were spent planning events in Cegep alongside his best friend Kaje. 

He has promoted for Ivy and Muzique, only to name a few. He’s planned frosh parties across the city and even took part in co-ordinating lifestyle tours for Canadian students in various parts of Mexico. 

Currently Chris is one half of the management team that runs Bord’Elle on a nightly basis. This is no easy task considering Bord’Elle is a multi tiered venue, operating as a lounge, restaurant and bottle service oriented nightclub all in one. Chris has proven up to the task and continues to be a key factor in the brands success. He is committed to service and he strives to ensure that all clients walk away with the best experience possible, at all times.

Years of experience
10

Best Nightlife experience
BPM festival in Playa Del Carmen

Chris was basically brought up in the Jegantic system. His early years in hospitality were spent planning events in Cegep alongside his best friend Kaje. 

He has promoted for Ivy and Muzique, only to name a few. He’s planned frosh parties across the city and even took part in co-ordinating lifestyle tours for Canadian students in various parts of Mexico. 

Currently Chris is one half of the management team that runs Bord’Elle on a nightly basis. This is no easy task considering Bord’Elle is a multi tiered venue, operating as a lounge, restaurant and bottle service oriented nightclub all in one. Chris has proven up to the task and continues to be a key factor in the brands success. He is committed to service and he strives to ensure that all clients walk away with the best experience possible, at all times.

Years of experience
10

Best Nightlife experience
BPM festival in Playa Del Carmen

Coming Soon

Coming Soon

Brian’s greatest strength is his ability to build and train a team while creating a positive and friendly working environment. He is the GM of the Farsides and the director of brand development for the franchise. His vast experience in the restaurant industry goes back at least 15 years, and he was instrumental in developing and expanding his brother’s restaurant, Monza, which grew from one stand-alone store to four venues in a few short years.

No stranger to hard work, Brian is a highly motivated and ambitious worker who takes pride in learning from others. He lists his brother the founder of Monza and John, the president of Jegantic as his biggest inspirations in terms of business and his eagerness to constantly improve has led him to work closely with both of them. Going forward, whenever you see an opening of a new Farsides restaurant, rest assured that Brian is a central figure in the project.

Brian’s greatest strength is his ability to build and train a team while creating a positive and friendly working environment. He is the GM of the Farsides and the director of brand development for the franchise. His vast experience in the restaurant industry goes back at least 15 years, and he was instrumental in developing and expanding his brother’s restaurant, Monza, which grew from one stand-alone store to four venues in a few short years.

No stranger to hard work, Brian is a highly motivated and ambitious worker who takes pride in learning from others. He lists his brother the founder of Monza and John, the president of Jegantic as his biggest inspirations in terms of business and his eagerness to constantly improve has led him to work closely with both of them. Going forward, whenever you see an opening of a new Farsides restaurant, rest assured that Brian is a central figure in the project.