Jimson BIENENSTOCK

1963 - 2022

JIMSON BIENENSTOCK September 24, 1963 - May 19, 2022 Jimson's family are deeply saddened to announce his death. He was a friend, colleague and mentor to many. To a lucky few, he was an eldest child (Dody and John), a brother (Robin and Adam), a nephew (Vera/Ani Tsultrim and Caroline), a husband (Johanna), father (Bella and Elsa) and uncle to Sebastiano, Oliva, Sam and Leo, and also a special business partner to Momi. A man of many talents, he was an entrepreneur whose specialty in the hospitality world was to build and grow meaningful places where food, wine and conversation left lasting pleasurable memories. He was born in the UK, and educated in Dundas Ontario, London, and Cambridge University, where he captained the ice hockey team and as well received an MA in Zoology and Natural Sciences. He opened and ran sugar refineries in Jamaica and Australia, and then bars and restaurants in Paris and Lille in France. In Paris, Johanna and he had Bella and Elsa, and he earned an MBA with Top Honours at ESSEC. He returned to Canada in 2005 with his family, and soon several establishments of high repute such as George, the Royal York, and SohoHouse benefited from his involvement. His amazing palate was recognized and he became a Board director of the Canadian Association of Professional Sommeliers. He opened HotBlack Coffee with his sister Robin, and was fortunate to be joined by Momi his eventual business partner in developing it and the brand, winning far-reaching international acclaim and attention in the New York Times, and even the Jimmy Fallon Show, when he shut down WiFi in his coffee shop to promote its main purpose of old-school service and warm interactions. COVID was a terrible burden to him and everyone in the hospitality business and to him personally when he lost his sense of taste and smell, which fortumately returned in full when he recovered. He engaged with equal energy in business and charitable activities, and brought his unquenchable sense of humour, fun and enjoyment to every encounter. His favourite place was the cottage in Pointe au Baril, and his favourite people were his daughters. An opportunity to celebrate will soon be announced, but meanwhile, arrange a great meal with a loved one, and join us in raising a glass of a favourite wine to Jimson. Jimson's family Online condolences may be left at www.circleoflifecbc.com