Today we’d like to introduce you to Brandon Sheppard.
Brandon, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
63 Sovereign was designed to introduce a new and exciting culinary experience to Ormond Beach, 63 Sovereign’s motto is to bring together all of the characteristics associated with a great dining experience. Delicious food and drink, prepared and served to you by a passionate team of professionals in a charming and comfortable setting. We believe that dining is more than a routine. It is an experience that ties us to our roots, keeps us connected and provides fuel for the soul.
Despite being established in 2018, the proprietors of Sovereign have always considered the restaurant to be a continually new concept. Modeled with the idea that its food and beverage could adapt and change through the seasons, the eclectic menu is sure to keep all of its guests intrigued over and over again.
It was important for us to break normal trends and push the boundaries in order to coincide with our unique concept. I believe we are staying true to that today.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Well 4 months after we opened in 2018, hurricane Michael paid us a visit. The Category 5 storm caused damage throughout Ormond Beach. We were closed for 10 days with no power and lost all our food and products. We recovered and learned from it, we started growing and coming into our own in 2019.
Then the world took on Covid in 2020, something that no business was prepared for, especially the service industry.
We were starting to make a name for ourselves and building the relationships that are needed for a small neighborhood eatery. At the end of March, we had to switch to take out food for two months. We shut down completely for 4 weeks. It was a very scary time for most small businesses throughout the country. Thankfully it didn’t last too much longer and we were able to open up with limited capacity.
We were very fortunate to survive, we owe our regulars for that. They supported us and paid it forward for months just so that we would be there after it was all said and done. It’s amazing how a community can come together in a time of need.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about 63 Sovereign?
Nestled in the heart of downtown Ormond Beach’s restaurant row, 63 Sovereign operates in a nearly century old JC Penny catalog home. Known as the “Harris House,” the structure is one of two identical homes that were built side by side in the early 1920s. Over the years, the building has served primarily as a residence, and then in more recent years, home to a couple of small restaurants.
The menu is a diverse mix of culinary expressions from around the world. We like to think that we have a little bit of something on our menu for everyone. My partner, Sergio Faenza and I, love to push the boundaries of the traditional restaurant experience. We believe that our fellow Ormond residents are ready for a new and unique experience and we’re constantly striving to provide that. As stated, Sovereign’s menu is quite unique. Whether you are in the mood for some amazingly fresh items from the restaurant’s raw bar, such as cold water, northern oysters, a delicious sushi roll or the tuna and salmon sunomono salad, all are sure to please. If you’re in the mood for something a bit different, the menu expands to offer other delicious plates, such as a White Truffle Flatbread, Panko encrusted Shrimp Tacos, Rigatoni Bolognese, Asian inspired Fried Rice, or even Filet Mignon and Osso Buco.
We are most proud of our team, we simply could not do this without our hard working, and genuinely good employees. To each one, we are very grateful and love having them be a part of our family.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
Most people do not know that I actually have a career outside of the restaurant. I am the Director of Facilities for the Museum of Arts and Sciences in Daytona Beach. I handle daily operations of our building and security teams for all our properties. I love my job but the restaurant is my passion. I always wanted to have my own restaurant as a kid, I have been very fortunate to come across people in my life that have helped me achieve that.
Contact Info:
- Email: info@63sovereign.com
- Website: www.63sovereign.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/63sovereign
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/63Sovereign/
- Other: https://www.opentable.com/r/63-sovereign-ormond-beach
Image Credits
Austin Burke
