John Mims Out
Posted by Foobooz on August 26th, 2008
According to Philadelphia Magazine, John Mims, chef and owner of Carmine’s in Bryn Mawr and of Les Bons Temps in Center City is out at both places.
Philadelphia attorney Howard Taylor, confirmed the split, saying, “He’s not with us anymore, but otherwise, the staff remains intact.”
Reached this morning on his cell phone, Mims declined to get into specifics, as did Taylor, but made it pretty clear that things aren’t exactly civil: “The lawyers are involved. It’s going to be a really ugly divorce.”
And if you believe our commenter, Mims hasn’t been in the kitchen much at Les Bons Temps.
Exclusive: John Mims Out at Les Bons Temps and Carmine’s [Philadelphia Magazine]
Carmine’s Creole Cafe [Offical Site]
Les Bons Temps [Official Site]
Related Tags: Carmines-Creole-Cafe, Les-Bons-Temps
August 26th, 2008 at 5:06 pm
Not a food nerd, so help me out: how can you be “out” as an owner?
August 27th, 2008 at 7:31 am
Owners can buy their partner out. Last time I saw this happen was at the Piano bar at 20th and Arch. There were three owners and now there’s only 2.
August 27th, 2008 at 10:52 am
Mims was actually only the name of the restaurant. Most of the investment was made by his partner. After an extensive investigation, incriminating proofs were found that Mims, who was the cook at Carmine’s and Les Bon Temps, had been embezzling thousands and thousands of dollars. He was rushed out of the partnership. Right now Mims is working as a salary cook at the Free House in Wayne, Pa which is closed for renovation and will reopen as a creole food restaurant.
August 27th, 2008 at 11:45 am
Ugly divorce for Mr. Con artist. The sooner the truth comes out, the better for whoever did not do anything. He might even be cooking some gumbo for his inmate partners real soon.
August 29th, 2008 at 11:32 am
I had dinner at the Freehouse last night. It has reopened and the food was amazing. The crawfish spring rolls were excellent as was my Pear Salad. My friend had the pork tenderloin with grits and loved it. Great move for The Freehouse bringing on Mims. We’ll be back.
August 29th, 2008 at 8:17 pm
I guess Carol was right! Mims’ out of his partnership for whatever reasons and making Mainliners happy somewhere else.
If he embezzled or not… that’s his problem… we’ll just enjoy his food in the meantime.
August 30th, 2008 at 12:23 pm
I’ve always believed that there are two sides to every story and Mim’s talent is undeniable. FreeHouse has struggled with identity issues for two years now and if this artist needs a new place to paint, then that’s great for the freeHouse owners and patrons.
August 31st, 2008 at 12:30 am
I ate at the Freehouse Saturday night. I had crispy skinned salmon with mushroom risotto, and started with an asparagus salad. It was and unbelievable combination, not a hint of Creole cooking. Are you even sure John Mims is there?
August 31st, 2008 at 1:24 am
John Mim’s food is terrible. It is overcooked. Salty and just not appetizing. i definately wont be at the freehouse, even more so because of his thievery.
September 8th, 2008 at 12:44 pm
I retract my last statement. I went to the Freehouse again this weekend. My salad looked like Helen Keller made it, and my burger was completely overcooked and tasted like charcoal. I was hoping this place was going to turn around, but I think the outlook is bleak. I don’t know how it could have been great two weeks ago, and then sucked so badly.
September 11th, 2008 at 1:37 pm
Well, the food must have been bad this time around because Mims might not be at the Freehouse anymore. Looks like his contract with his previous bussines partner did nod allow him to have a Creole restaurant in a 10 mile radius of Carmine’s. As soon as I find out I’ll let you all know. In the meantime, let’s enjoy the delicious food made by mexicans at Carmine’s and LBTP.
September 11th, 2008 at 7:27 pm
The stuff about John Mims embezzling money is a complete lie. He’s a good man and a good chef, and his former partner is the one everyone should watch out for. He’s a lawyer with no previous experience in the restaurant biz and was out to get John from day 1 — he just needed John’s name and talent to get started.
September 11th, 2008 at 10:17 pm
I did not think the freehouse could get any worse. I guess I was wrong. Are they trying to see how bad they can make the food with this bum cooking. Maybe they should try and get some of the Mexicans from his other places to come and do the real cooking.
September 12th, 2008 at 8:39 am
Well, now we have two different opinions on the embezzlement issue. It is always good to hear both sides of the story, unfortunately Mr/Miss Barmaiden you have been tricked by Mims. HAve you ever wondered why he left everything to his business partner running like a scared litle mouse?… If he was an honest person he would have not left without fighting the fight instead of leaving his business that he had been building for so many years. I am not denying that he is an excellent cook with experience and many ideas, but honesty comes before kitchen talent.