Author of Only the Names Have Changed
Jason “Jay” Macioge believes that fine food and fine wines, along with elegant and styled atmospheres, are the keys to any successful establishment. Whether you’re serving fine French food or awesome pizza; atmosphere, attention to detail, and most importantly great food, are the elements that matter. Jason has created five restaurants capturing the essence of those details.
Born in Washington, D.C., Jason’s parents soon packed the car and headed to the very small, yet very cultured town of Lenox, Massachusetts. At the age of thirteen Jason headed to Bishops College School, just outside of Montreal, Canada, and began high school. Jason then went on to Carleton University, where he began his love affair with the restaurant business. While attending classes at Carleton, Jason met his mentor and good friend, Ion Aimers, founder of The Works Gourmet Burger Bistro chain. Ion inspired Jason to create ideas that were innovative and necessary. With hard work and a great vision, Jason knew that this was the business for him.
In 1999, Jason opened his first restaurant in Lenox: Bistro Zinc, a classic French bistro with a modern flare and a fantastic bar scene. Soon after the successful launch of Bistro Zinc, Jason went back to the drawing board and developed the idea for Pearl’s, a sophisticated American steakhouse with classic modern design, located in Great Barrington, Massachusetts. Pearl’s opened in 2001 and was a hit with tourists and locals alike.
Jason is always thinking about what his next step is, so in 2002 he decided to open up yet another restaurant, this time (something different!) a pizza joint. Betty’s Pizza Shack made its Lenox debut in 2002 as a funky pizza shack decked out with surfboards, palm trees and vibrant colors.
In 2004, Jason opened Fin Sushi and Sake Bar. Fin offers innovative Japanese cuisine served in a fantastically hip atmosphere to both the local and visiting clientele of the Berkshires and beyond.
Most recently, Jason opened Frankie’s Ristorante Italiano, in the summer of 2007. At Frankie’s you can find the kind of real, homemade Italian food that you’ve been looking for, just like Mama used to make.
A man of exceptionally high personal standards, Jason values genuine collaboration. He has successfully assembled an expert staff that shares his philosophy and vision, enabling him to concentrate on his many varied interests.
Jason currently lives in the Berkshires and is kept company by his two extremely energetic basset hounds, Bubba and Peaches. They have been voted “The Best Dogs in the Berkshires” for two years in a row!
