Donnie Ferneau, 38 Little Rock, AR Chef/Owner

Donnie Ferneau, 38
Little Rock, AR
Chef/Owner
Opening: Unnamed – Upscale Southern Cuisine
Nov. 2013
Unnamed
Going in the heart of Little Rock’s Main Street Revival Project, Donnie’s unnamed
restaurant is the talk of the town. A huge name in the state, everyone has been
watching Donnie for his next move since selling his previous restaurant, Ferneau,
11 months ago. Known for hiring “honey” aka hot staff, the restaurant is going to
be a dress code enforced, hip, sexy place with a hot clientele and an even hotter
staff. Donnie is opening his 2nd restaurant, and the concept is unique for the area
and called “Southern Spa Comfort”. It’s fine dining without the heaviness of
butter, cream and fat. This space is 7,000 sq. ft. The upstairs is 1,000 sq. ft. and
will have the elbow pad, fancy, fine dining vibe and 6,000 sq. ft. downstairs will
host the open kitchen, whiskey bar, music and a younger, fun, hip crowd. Overall
they’ll be able to accommodate 165 patrons plus 26 on the patio. Donnie is
known for running a tough kitchen and although he has Southern charm, he has a
mouth that can break you down in 30 seconds. At risk? Everything! He’s taken out
a loan of 350k and put up all of his earthly possessions as collateral. As an only
partner all financial responsibility falls on him but there is someone he has to
answer to, David, his landlord. David is funding this revival and putting over 3
million dollars into renovating Main Street. He’s holding a lot of pressure over
Donnie to deliver. David is going to be knocking on Donnie's door monthly to
collect. If he doesn't pay up they are going to have major problems. Donnie has a
girlfriend, and she is possibly going to have a role in the restaurant. Donnie has
been named “Best Chef in Central Arkansas” for five consecutive years by
Arkansas Times and Soiree Magazine. He was named “Chef of the Year” by the
American Culinary Federation in 2007. He’s also a chef for Share our Strength
and a member of Chaine Des Rotisseurs. This restaurant has to succeed or the
name he’s worked hard to build will be tarnished. Not to mention losing David
millions! With Donnie we are sure to get talent, eye candy and entertainment.
Additional Characters
David, 34 and Alex Robinson, 28: Landlord and his Wife.
David is personable, honest and all about the bottom-line.
This is David’s first solo project. His reputation is on the
line with the success of this revival. He is the money guy
but everyone knows his wife and partner Alex really wears
the pants. She’s a feisty, Latina who will call bullshit if
things aren’t going right.
Jordan Taylor, 23: Marketing/PR.
Jordan is known to be emotional and can easily lose her
temper if you aren’t doing your job well. She has no fear
calling you out. Jordon is set in her ways meaning do it her
way or deal with her consequences. She loves fashion and
presents herself like she’s always at a photo shoot, can we
say high maintenance!
Geoff Rah, 24: General Manager
Geoff is a Facebook junkie and video gamer that competes
on a national level. He’s a hard worker and gets really fired
up if you aren’t doing your job. Doesn't care about your
feelings and will ride you until you do it right. If upset he
has the potential to loses his cool as he takes work
personal. Witty and crude, he constantly surprises Donnie
with the crazy out of this world jokes he comes up with.
Derrell Ray Hartwick, 24: Bar Back/Bartender
Derrell was hired for his good looks. With a pool of women
around him he’ll bring in the money while pissing guys off.
He’s arrogant and will be caught flexing in the mirror when
things are slow. He’s a gym rat and a one upper. Under
pressure he can become tense, yell and argue. At the
same time has the ability to be suave and uses his
southern charm with such vocabulary as mam and sir.
Spencer Jansen, 32 - Mixologist
Arguably the best bartender in he state (just won
best bartender and best of the metro in sync
magazine), Spencer is a lone wolf with undertones
of sarcasm. He is "gingerly fresh" and well groomed
to deal with high profile clientele. A master
mixologist, he is OCD and will be the sensei to the
younger bartenders keeping them in line.
Tyler Steelman, 25: Kitchen
Tyler is a young, arrogant, aspiring chef who is too
talented for his own good. He tends to talk crap
about everyone he works with but thinks its okay
because he can out cook them. He enjoys stirring
the pot. He was a kicker in college football and that
high, almighty attitude carries over into the
workplace.
Joshua Vinyard, 36: Sous Chef
Joshua is a very talented chef with a mouth like a
sailor and emotions like a pregnant woman. He has
burned every culinary bridge in the city because of
his love for booze. Once he has a few drinks he
tends to put his foot in his mouth which has fired
him from a few jobs in the past. He recently had a
kid and is trying to get it together for his family.
Lauren Elizabeth Lane, 25: Server/Cocktail
Lauren was hired for her ability to bring in
customers and make them spend money. She
knows how to use her looks to her advantage and
is often chased by men. Not the brightest bulb in
the pack she has a wrap for being a half assed
worker (when it comes to cleaning, side work, etc.)
pissing off other employees. She gets away with it
because she’s pretty. Donnie thinks Geoff the GM
might fall under her spell.