Meet Jon Berne | Private Chef and Small Business Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jon Berne and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jon, maybe we can start at the very start – the idea – how did you come up with the idea for your business?
I got the idea for Bernie’s during my years as a private chef in New York. My clients were always craving a delicious dessert that wasn’t too heavy and perfect for pool season. I shopped around the local farmer’s markets, and was always drawn to the flavor of a doughnut peach or red plum. How could I recreate that first bite into a piece of in-season fruit? Eventually I started experimenting with granitas—frozen fruit and shave ice—with a lightly-toasted marshmallow meringue on top. The combination of flavors: fresh fruit, handcrafted and pillowy meringue was an instant hit. I always wanted to start my own food business, and this just seemed to click seamlessly.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
What makes Bernie’s granita shaved ice special is our commitment to using all natural ingredients, and steering clear of those artificially sweetened syrupy vibes. We bring the nostalgia of the shaved ice you remember, but really focus on upping the quality and giving it the makeover it deserves. We try and highlight the flavors that you love, like mango, pineapple, strawberry, and create an amazing dessert that you’ve definitely never had before but will keep coming back for more. It turns out working in fine dining makes gives you the experience you need to make things tasty!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Moon Canyon hike in Mount Washington

Dinner at Dunsmoor

Drinks at Walt’s or Capri Club

Lunch at Little Dom’s

A concert at The Hollywood Bowl or The Greek

Drinks at Gold Line in Highland park

Huntington gardens in Pasadena

Delicious Szechuan lunch at Chong Qing Special Noodles

Tacos at Villas Tacos

Bowling at Highland Park Bowl

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My shout out goes to Smorgasburg LA, easily the best food vendor market in Los Angeles. They’re super active in the community, organizing countless benefits to help some amazing causes. Not only have they demonstrated their belief in Bernie’s, they act as a small business incubator for some of the best hidden gems of LA. You can find us there every Sunday from 10am-4pm at DTLA Row with free entry. Come hungry!! You will not be disappointed, guaranteed.

Website: https://www.bernieslosangeles.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bernieslosangeles