papa's story (the short version)
Chef Jim McGrady and his wife Denise have had a rewarding lifetime of experience in the restaurant and hospitality industry. In fact, Denise was actually born into her parent’s restaurant business in Kansas City. For some of these years they were lucky to be able to work side-by-side with their four dynamic children. All of their passion and efforts (and now that of the 7 grandchildren) are all aligned. During their successful career, spanning many decades, one theme was always consistent; feeding those in need: CHARITY. Their restaurant and catering business at the Jersey Shore were always the first to donate food and services to the local shelters, drug rehabs, special needs children and veterans’ groups.
During “The Great Recession of 2008” Chef Jim took a position with the Maggiano’s Italian Restaurant Chain. It was during his almost decade at these restaurants that he earned the moniker of “Papa Jim”. A little older now for sure, but the name mostly stuck because of his paternal leadership of a lineup of 150-200 young teammates at each restaurant. While Papa Jim was employed by Maggiano’s as an Executive Chef, then a Managing Partner, his efforts were vital to the company being able to donate millions of dollars to the Make-A-Wish Foundation
In 2012, when Super Storm Sandy devastated the Jersey Shore and the Tri-State area, Jim, Denise and their four children organized, cooked and served over 1000 Thanksgiving dinners for their own Toms River Community and the first responders and residents displaced by the storm.
After moving on from Maggiano’s, Papa Jim utilized his experience to build a banquet business for a not-for-profit organization that has an event venue but was under-performing and not producing needed funds. His efforts and results quickly increased the organization’s ability to contribute to their own charities and the Somerset County community at large, by over +900%
When Covid-19 hit and the world went into lockdown, these operations came to an abrupt halt. The very next day, St. Patrick’s Day 2020, Jim, Denise and their team took a sharp pivot and shifted focus to help the community. With the resources they had, they immediately started to prepare the idle food they had in house and began to distribute to those in need. Local distributers, businesses and citizens soon joined the efforts to lend a helping hand. The team proudly and unselfishly delivered needed meals to those who were shut-in, sick or overworked (RWJ Somerset Hospital). Due to these substantial contributions, this new “Soup Kitchen” took on a life of its own.
When that kitchen was no longer available for their efforts, they were very fortunate to be able to join forces with the benevolent Branchburg Rotary and Bound Brook Presbyterian Church. This partnership secured a solid kitchen, generous donations and an amazing team of like-minded volunteers in order to grow our charity efforts. Combating local food insecurity is the mission.
So, this is where Chef Jim’s efforts stand today. As we get into 2023, the plan is to add another layer to the decades of charity work. Papa Jim is going to cook-up some of his best dishes from a lifetime of culinary pleasure for your enjoyment at their planned Community Restaurant. Hopefully, you will partake in their endeavors by getting involved and simultaneously know that you’re helping those in need. Please scroll to the “2023 Restaurant Plans “ tab for all the info.
As we move forward, with heightened purpose, we hope that the amusing culinary stories, yummy recipes, videos and entertainment that we will share with you will be of value to you, elevate your mood and hopefully stimulate a positive view of our new future.
Once again, thanks for all the donations and support. We are now and always have been honored to be at your service.
“Life is about not yet knowing how to change. Take this moment and make the best of it, without knowing what’s going to happen next."
Gilda Radner
Be safe and share the soup!
"Papa" Jim & Denise "Omi" McGrady
During “The Great Recession of 2008” Chef Jim took a position with the Maggiano’s Italian Restaurant Chain. It was during his almost decade at these restaurants that he earned the moniker of “Papa Jim”. A little older now for sure, but the name mostly stuck because of his paternal leadership of a lineup of 150-200 young teammates at each restaurant. While Papa Jim was employed by Maggiano’s as an Executive Chef, then a Managing Partner, his efforts were vital to the company being able to donate millions of dollars to the Make-A-Wish Foundation
In 2012, when Super Storm Sandy devastated the Jersey Shore and the Tri-State area, Jim, Denise and their four children organized, cooked and served over 1000 Thanksgiving dinners for their own Toms River Community and the first responders and residents displaced by the storm.
After moving on from Maggiano’s, Papa Jim utilized his experience to build a banquet business for a not-for-profit organization that has an event venue but was under-performing and not producing needed funds. His efforts and results quickly increased the organization’s ability to contribute to their own charities and the Somerset County community at large, by over +900%
When Covid-19 hit and the world went into lockdown, these operations came to an abrupt halt. The very next day, St. Patrick’s Day 2020, Jim, Denise and their team took a sharp pivot and shifted focus to help the community. With the resources they had, they immediately started to prepare the idle food they had in house and began to distribute to those in need. Local distributers, businesses and citizens soon joined the efforts to lend a helping hand. The team proudly and unselfishly delivered needed meals to those who were shut-in, sick or overworked (RWJ Somerset Hospital). Due to these substantial contributions, this new “Soup Kitchen” took on a life of its own.
When that kitchen was no longer available for their efforts, they were very fortunate to be able to join forces with the benevolent Branchburg Rotary and Bound Brook Presbyterian Church. This partnership secured a solid kitchen, generous donations and an amazing team of like-minded volunteers in order to grow our charity efforts. Combating local food insecurity is the mission.
So, this is where Chef Jim’s efforts stand today. As we get into 2023, the plan is to add another layer to the decades of charity work. Papa Jim is going to cook-up some of his best dishes from a lifetime of culinary pleasure for your enjoyment at their planned Community Restaurant. Hopefully, you will partake in their endeavors by getting involved and simultaneously know that you’re helping those in need. Please scroll to the “2023 Restaurant Plans “ tab for all the info.
As we move forward, with heightened purpose, we hope that the amusing culinary stories, yummy recipes, videos and entertainment that we will share with you will be of value to you, elevate your mood and hopefully stimulate a positive view of our new future.
Once again, thanks for all the donations and support. We are now and always have been honored to be at your service.
“Life is about not yet knowing how to change. Take this moment and make the best of it, without knowing what’s going to happen next."
Gilda Radner
Be safe and share the soup!
"Papa" Jim & Denise "Omi" McGrady
p: 732.232.3984
e: jim@papajimscomfortkitchen.com
e: jim@papajimscomfortkitchen.com