South Florida Food 50: Jorgie Ramos of Barley

Jorgie Ramos, Chef-owner of Barley

Why he’s in the Food 50: Jorgie Ramos Jr. is a self-taught cook who has jumped over hurdle after hurdle to make his restaurant dream a reality. When the real estate market tanked, Jorgie and his dad, Jorge Sr., left the construction biz and opened a sports bar in Pinecrest. The Joint didn’t last long, but the Ramoses took what worked best — their “Foodie Friday” menus were a hit, and craft beer was taking off — and turned those elements into Barley, a pubby brasserie near Dadeland Mall.

Issues with the kitchen’s exhaust system pushed the restaurant to the brink of closure last year; Ramos had to turn customers away when smoke filled the dining room. Persevering, he revamped it into a sandwich shop until the exhaust problem was fixed and he could reopen as a full restaurant. Barley is back and better than ever.

What’s in a name? Barley opened in 2013 as Barley & Swine. An Austin, Texas, gastropub with a similar name claimed trademark infringement, forcing Barley & Swine to rebrand as B&S. It briefly became Barley & ’Wich during its sandwich phase, and, as of last month, it is Barley: An American Brasserie.

Where to find him: Barley, 9059 SW 73rd Ct., Miami.

Web: allpraisethelard.com

This story was originally published February 17, 2015 at 7:30 PM with the headline "South Florida Food 50: Jorgie Ramos of Barley."