Meet James

I enjoy many aspects associated with recruiting but consider helping people find new opportunities and sometimes life-changing positions as the most rewarding part of the job.

James Kinder joined Goodwin Recruiting in May 2017. He particularly enjoys placing top candidates within full-service casual and upscale-casual concepts, as well as fine dining, wineries, and fast-casual segments.

James grew up in Ohio and through the restaurant industry was fortunate enough to experience life in multiple parts of the country. Prior to becoming a recruiting partner with Goodwin Recruiting, James was placed by Goodwin as the Director of Operations with Saracen Restaurant Group in East Hampton, NY in 2005, where he eventually met his wife and laid down permanent Hamptons roots.

James has worked for a mix of both corporate and independent restaurant groups throughout his career, including:

• Max and Erma’s (GM, Columbus, OH)
• The Atlantic Beer and Ice Company (GM, Charlotte, NC)
• Masa Restaurant (Director of Operations/Managing Partner, Boston, MA)
• Saracen Restaurant (Director of Operations, East Hampton, NY)
• Matto Restaurante (Managing Partner, East Hampton, NY)

James has a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Wittenberg University in Springfield, Ohio, and a Master’s Degree in History from American Public University in Washington, DC.

His Ohio roots remain strong, and he is a huge Ohio State Buckeyes and Cleveland sports teams fan. He especially enjoys his beloved Cleveland Browns! James has lived with his wife, Eileen, and dog, Buckeye, in Sag Harbor, NY, for over 15 years.