Our Team 

James and Jacob bought the Farrand property with the intention of it being a quiet country getaway from their busy city lives in Chicago. But quickly their unique personal experiences in Hospitality and art would encourage them to consider a much bigger view of the property.

Jacob studied art and library & information science and is the real creative brain behind the project. He brings a unique perspective to design and its relation to how we live. He has a real interest in how old things tell stories and bring life to our modern lives.

James worked in operations and business development for food companies and is the CEO of his own consulting firm. His business acumen and experience in the Midwest food scene made bringing chefs out for unique dining experiences a natural transition.

Together they've slowly built the Farrand Hall brand and are now fully invested in building a company around food, lifestyle, country living, and gathering. They believe none of this would be happening without the support of a team of amazing and generous people believing in Farrand Hall as much as they do.

  • Ken Miller, Executive Chef

    After a month long residency with us in October the entire team couldn’t image Farrand Hall without Ken.

    He brings a breadth of experience in high end restaurants from Chicago to Michigan. Working alongside some of the best chefs. Including Apparatus Room, Dixboro Project, Acadia, and others.

  • Bianca West, Manager

    Bianca has worked with us on and off for nearly 6 years. She stepped into the management role in 2023 and oversees the daily private dining including working with all the guest chefs.

  • John Ward, Sommelier

    John Ward

    John has been an investor/advising on wines at Farrand Hall for the past 3 years. He has had a home here on Palmer Lake in Colon, MI since 2009 and retired from JPMorgan Chase after 22 years in 2020.

    John’s passion for wines has continuously evolved over the last 30 years in parallel with his love of cooking and by studying the craft of winemaking from winemakers themselves. John is an avid collector of rare wines and whiskeys and has taught wine/whiskey appreciation courses for private business events/local colleges in Illinois. John has a level 2 sommelier cerificate.

    Outside of work John enjoys spending time with his Fiancé Heather Webb, daughter Sara and son Ryan hiking, fishing, paddle boarding, and doing everything outdoors.

    johnward@farrandhall.com

  • Sam Clark, Cook

    Sam started as an intern in 2023. He quickly showed a level of dedication and eagerness to learn and he joined the team as a full time cook in 2024.

  • Team

    Just a few of the team members that keep Farrand Hall running smooth and make it the great place that it is.