North Hills, N.C. – In the aftermath of a tragic shooting at Coquette restaurant, owner Kevin Jennings reflects on a year marked by grief and resilience. A memorial display, featuring a photo collage of Jonathan Schaffer, a much-loved employee who lost his life in the incident, now stands at the bar. The Jan. 17 shooting led to not only Schaffer’s tragic death but also to the suicide of the restaurant’s head chef, George Colom Jr., who entered the establishment armed.
On the day of the incident, Jennings and his wife received distressing news from an employee that prompted them to rush to the restaurant. Upon arrival, they were confronted by a significant police presence and cordoned-off streets. “We showed officers the security footage so they could gather crucial evidence,” Jennings said, remembering the chaotic scene.
Reflecting on the challenges that have plagued the restaurant since that devastating day, Jennings expressed deep sympathy for Schaffer’s family, acknowledging that financial difficulties pale in comparison to their loss. Business has decreased by 25%, a stark contrast to the restaurant’s record-breaking sales in 2024. “We were hitting on all cylinders then,” Jennings recalled.
In the wake of Colom’s actions, the kitchen staff refused to prepare any of his recipes, leading Jennings to revamp the entire menu. “All the old recipes went in the garbage. We started from scratch,” he said, emphasizing the monumental shift Coquette underwent.
Despite working together for only a few months, Jennings had no indication that Colom posed any risk. “He was a joy to have on the team,” Jennings remarked about Colom’s professional demeanor and culinary skills, noting how shocking the event was given Colom’s initial promise.
Schaffer had joined Coquette shortly before the shooting but had established strong bonds within Jennings’ restaurant group. “He was well-liked, always ready to cover shifts,” Jennings said, recalling the positive impact Schaffer had on the team. Signs of support from the community have poured in since the shooting, showcasing the restaurant’s strong local ties.
Throughout this ordeal, Jennings noted, “Kane Realty stood by our side, and we received so many letters of love and encouragement.” These gestures of solidarity have fueled Jennings’ optimism as the restaurant navigates its recovery.
This month, Coquette appointed a new head chef, marking a renewed commitment to move forward. With ongoing growth anticipated in the North Hills area, Jennings is hopeful patrons will return, reaffirming, “The future is quite bright.”
Coquette, a fixture in the community for 16 years, aims to weather this storm and looks ahead to many more successful years. “There’s so much good that I hope people will focus on, letting the past be just that,” Jennings concluded, emphasizing his vision for a hopeful future.