Phil and Sebastien’s patty shop
The story of Phil DeWar and Sebastien Ratz is a tale of the power of mentorship, ambition, and culinary creativity. Their unique partnership began in the humblest of settings, over a cutting board and has blossomed into a thriving relationship that is hoping to reshape the way people enjoy Caribbean cuisine.
Phil, a seasoned restaurateur with more than two decades of experience, first met Sebastien when he was still attending high school as a co-op student. Recognizing the young man’s passion, Phil took Sebastien under his wing offering him a summer position at his restaurant. This introduction into the restaurant world solidified Sebastien’s desire to pursue a career in the Culinary Arts, leading him to Niagara College; and eventually back to Orangeville Soulyve kitchen.
“After school, you are usually in a place where you’re picking mainly an Italian restaurant, or a French restaurant. I wanted a challenge, and had the love of something different,” Sebastien said. So, I just said, let me learn this Caribbean thing. I have to learn from someone who knows it, and I have to learn it well. Break down the stereotype too, right? I wanted to become good at it and help grow something almost nobody else is doing. I fell in love with this food, so I wanted to learn how to master it.”
After closing his downtown restaurant in 2019, Phil shifted his focus to catering, embracing a more balanced work-life dynamic. Operating out of his kitchen located at 76 Centennial Road, he catered private events, corporate gatherings, and medium sized weddings, steadily building a reputation for quality and creativity. It was during this period that Phil and Sebastien continued to hone their team dynamic. Phil, learning to trust his partner in the kitchen, and appreciating Sebastien’s talents and ambitions, eventually allowed the freedom to let him make food, and express new ideas. They began considering expanding the business.
Opportunity came by way of Goodlot Farmstead Brewery, as full-time food partner and culinary ambassador of The ‘GoodSpot’ FoodTruck. This collaboration allowed them to showcase their creative talents on a larger, more consistent scale and cemented their reputation as innovative chefs. However, the demands and seasonality of the outdoor months prompted them to seek a more sustainable approach that would allow them to balance their profession without compromise.
Recognizing a growing demand for their signature stuffed patty, Phil and Sebastien decided to open a dedicated patty shop. After a series of successful pop-up events and renovations, LyvePatty officially opened its doors to the public on November 1, 2024. Located at their catering headquarters, the gourmet patty shop provides a steady revenue stream during the winter months and allowed to focus on select projects during the summer. LyvePatty quickly became a hit, attracting both loyal fans and new customers with its unique take on the traditional Jamaican staple. The shop offers a variety of stuffed patties with the Afro-Caribbean flavours of spicy Jamaican Jerk, golden ripe plantains, ackee and callaloo. Also building combinations like caramelized onion/ maple bacon – or smoked pork n mac ‘n’ cheese. This fusion and familiar ingredients resonated with patrons as LyvePatty found its footing in the community.
Phil and Sebastien’s partnership is characterized by mutual respect and a shared vision for their culinary endeavours. Phil with a wealth of experience, and keen sense of engagement, Sebastian bringing fresh ideas and a youthful energy to the new venture has been instrumental.
“He doesn’t get rattled,” Phil said. “He’s really taken the lead here, and it’s really exciting to see a friend and peer who you’ve worked with, get better and really start to come into their own. He’s always talking about what he’s seeing from our customers and what adjustments he thinks we need to make.”
And in your own career, you have to be willing to evolve in your role. It gives you a sense of relief when you know you can trust your team.”
Their past, and current dedication to refining Caribbean cuisine and breaking down culinary stereotypes has set a new standard for what a simple patty shop can be.
As they continue to grow and improve the LyvePatty experience, they remain committed to their core values of quality, creativity and community. Their journey of a catering kitchen forging a beloved patty shop is a testament to their hard work and the strength of their partnership. The storefront is not just a business, but a celebration of their shared admirations for the industry and dedication to Afro-Caribbean cuisine. It has set a new standard for what a simple patty shop can be.