The Chinese character for “harvest” inspired the creation of Williamsburg’s latest restaurant, Ren. Owned by Jayne He, Ren pays homage to agricultural practices and the sense of community they can cultivate.
He spent the first ten years of her career working in Chinese restaurants across the city before transitioning into the fashion industry. Now, He and her team are positioning Ren to be at the intersection of restaurant hospitality and design.
“Drawing from my experience as a fashion PR, I observed a lack of Chinese restaurants as venues for events and gatherings,” said He in an email interview with What Now NY. “This inspired me to create a chic space where people can come together for any occasion, whether it’s a significant event or a casual gathering with friends and family, all while indulging in authentic Chinese cuisine.”
Eater NY describes Ren as “a modern Sichuan restaurant, with a seasonal menu and a focus on sustainability.”
Ren plans minimize waste by using compostable straw and containers. As the very essence of Ren is rooted in an appreciation for the harvest, the restaurant will embrace eco-friendly practices in its operations– something that many other restaurants in the neighborhood have invested in more heavily in recent years.
“I’m personally drawn to the vibrant energy of the Williamsburg neighborhood, where the community is young, dynamic, and open-minded about embracing new experiences,” said He. “While my aim is to introduce traditional Chinese dishes to the area, I also want to infuse them with a sense of fun and chic flair. Williamsburg provides the ideal backdrop for this fusion of tradition and innovation, catering to its adventurous spirit and diverse culinary tastes.”
In addition to being Ren’s owner, He also serves as the brand’s marketing manager. While her experiences working in restaurants were quite different from those she had working in public relations, she has merged her varied interests and skillsets into the cohesive vision for Ren.
“Having observed restaurants from various angles, I’ve cultivated some different perspectives about Chinese restaurants. And finally now, I have the opportunity to bring all my ideas to life through Ren.”
Ren is expected to open around September or August of this year.
