The business of bringing people together

Jeff John '00, '02 and Jarred John '08 have been in the hospitality game since the early 2000s, putting good music, fun and food at the epicenter of all their business ventures. 

Jeff and Jarred own and operate multiple business ventures under the Damn Good Hospitality Group umbrella, including Backyard FTL, Revolution Live, Stache Drinking Den, Warren American Whiskey Kitchen (Delray Beach and Naples), Green Bar and Kitchen and Damn Good Sweets. At any of these venues, you will find a place to sit back, relax and enjoy good entertainment, drinks, food or all three at once. 

The businesses the Johns have set up are extremely successful, but that's not the most impressive part. The spaces they've created are unique and refreshing. From an intimate concert venue to an elegant whiskey library, the Johns know their audience and know how to bring the good vibes. 

We sat down with the oldest John brother, Jeff, to talk about the family business, his decision to go to college and why Lynn University is so special to him. 

Jeff John was born in Barrington, Illinois—a suburb outside Chicago. As a young man soon graduating high school, he was unsure of his next steps. He had ambition, but not necessarily a vision—quite yet. Everything changed when he discovered that his high school in Barrington had a relationship with Lynn, and previous students were choosing the institution as their future "home away from home." 

"Honestly, I was the type of kid who wasn't going to college," said Jeff. "But I had a conversation with my parents, and while on a Florida vacation, we were also able to tour Lynn University." On his visit, Jeff toured campus and spoke with some students at Lynn. Soon after the trip, he made his decision. Jeff was Lynn bound. 

When Jeff began his academic journey in 1995, it was a time of excitement and innovation. President Emeritus Donald E. Ross was the current president at that time and had just opened the American College Dublin two years prior—a move that provided Lynn students the opportunity to study abroad. The campus was undergoing significant changes, and fundraising efforts were underway with a goal of raising $19.5 million for the university and its students. Jeff stepped onto campus as a business major in the College of Business and Management. He flourished at Lynn, forming a camaraderie with students and professors alike making lifelong bonds. He found his courses challenging but developed a deep bond with Professor Ralph Norcio and former professor Jim Miller. It was these relationships that kept Jeff engaged and thriving. 

"I've always said that the 'makeup' of Lynn is the reason for its success," he said. "It's the people. The professors were like friends to me."

Jeff would often go to class one hour early and chat with his professors about sports and other topics, and at the end of the day, he viewed his teachers as mentors who truly cared about him. For Jeff, showing up to class was a sign of respect for his professors. The friendship he formed with them grew as he became even more ingrained in the Lynn culture. He also knew that focusing and learning practical skills in class was the key to his future success. 

"I wasn't the type of student who could read a chapter and understand what was happening," said Jeff. "I needed my professors and in-class discussions to get through. I valued my time in class."

As a graduate student, Jeff had the opportunity to travel to Brussels, France, Germany, and Switzerland for a three-week course. The trip broadened his horizons to a new world of possibilities. Ralph Norcio was one of the chaperones on the trip, solidifying the close relationship between the two. 

"We had such a good time when I studied away from Lynn," he said. "From a kid thinking they would never go to college, to someone who is traveling the world, it was eye-opening and inspiring."

In 2002, Jeff earned his MBA and wasted no time diving into the business world—launching his portfolio in Fort Lauderdale with the Revolution Live concert venue just two years later. That same year, a new chapter began for the family when Jarred joined Lynn, following in his brother's entrepreneurial footsteps by enrolling in the business administration program. 

Warren Whiskey Bar is the latest undertaking for the brothers. Located in Delray Beach and established in 2021, it has South Florida's largest whiskey library with nearly 1,000 rare, unique and reserve bottles available. Serving high-end American fare, the restaurant lends itself to top-notch whiskey experiences, a stunning whiskey wall, and indoor and outdoor spaces. 

Warren pays homage to Jeff and Jarred's late uncle Warren, who loved food, wine, Humphrey Bogart—and most of all—people. Fittingly, a commissioned painting of Bogart sits in the middle of the restaurant's whiskey wall. 

"Uncle Warren was my cool uncle who lived life to the fullest," said Jeff. "He passed way too young, and I wanted to do something to memorialize him. He would have loved this place." 

For Jeff, Warren is more than just a restaurant, it's an experience to share. He believes that experience starts at the door and then only gets better. To execute his vision of impeccable hospitality, he has employed those he trusts and admires—a handful of Lynn alumni who share the same goals, ideas and, of course, a love for Lynn. 

"It's nice to work with the people who inspire you," said Jeff. "And it's nice to know that we all have something in common by learning and living at Lynn." 

With a work ethic deep-rooted in philanthropy, the brothers give back to those who have helped them succeed. In April 2025, they hosted an event at Warren honoring beloved Professor Ralph Norcio. 

That evening, they auctioned over 30 bottles of exclusive whiskeys, raising more than $33,000 to support the Ralph Norcio Endowed Scholarship. 

"I have known Jeff for almost 30 years," said Norcio. "For that entire time, Jeff has shown himself to be a very kind and generous person. Someone who is dedicated to his family and friends. Beyond that, it has been fun to see the business successes that he and his brother have achieved."

Proud of the restaurant they have built in Delray Beach, Jeff and Jarred opened a second Warren in Naples, Florida, with a third opening soon in Sarasota. In 2023, they opened a dessert bar called Damn Good Sweets in the same plaza as Warren in Delray Beach serving ice cream, pastries, candy, custom cakes and more. The brothers also plan to open a restaurant in Boca Raton, Florida, in the next few years.  

Explore one of the largest, most diverse industries with Lynn's hospitality program.