Today we’d like to introduce you to Jon Berne
Hi Jon, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
The journey to making hand crafted shaved ice at Bernie’s has been long and full of twists and turns! To go back to the beginning, my career as a chef began in 2012. I had the privilege of working in some of New York City’s best restaurants, as well as several apprenticeships in Michelin starred restaurants in Bangkok, Thailand.
This is where I formed my approach to food and honed my craft. I learned the importance of balance, precision, and creativity, and what each of these things meant to me as a person and as a chef.
After working in restaurants I pivoted to private cheffing. No, I’ve never been on TikTok, but those viral videos? They’re pretty spot-on about what it’s like to cook for the rich and famous. These jobs took me all over the world, from New York to Miami, Los Angeles, the Caribbean and Europe.
No matter the job, there was always a demand for a light, delicious and guilt free dessert that didn’t compromise on taste. I started serving fresh shaved fruit with different toppings, and it was a hit right away. And it’s how the seed for Bernie’s was planted.
Our chef-crafted shaved ice, paired with a signature fluffy meringue topping, delivers the best of both worlds: the refreshing lightness of fruit with the rich, creamy decadence of a gooey, toasted marshmallow. It’s the perfect finish to any meal, and we’re proud to offer a dessert experience that is as memorable as it is delicious.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The biggest hurdle so far has been overcoming preconceptions about the product. Many people associate shaved ice with overly sweet, artificial syrups and see it as a cheap treat for kids rather than a sophisticated dessert with all natural ingredients. Transforming this perception has required not only crafting a product that stands out but also educating customers about its quality and the craftsmanship that goes into it. Convincing people to see shaved ice in a new light has been a rewarding challenge, and it’s deeply satisfying to see customers’ eyes light up with their first bite.
There are also the obvious challenges of moving from full time chef to entrepreneur. Building a business meant stepping into roles beyond the kitchen—developing a brand, handling finances, and ensuring consistent quality in a market where foot traffic and sales could fluctuate unpredictably. What makes it easy is knowing we have a product that speaks for itself. Whether it’s strawberry mint, pineapple coconut, or blueberry lemonade, we eagerly hand out samples because we know it’s the best way to win people over. It makes the job that much easier! And that much more rewarding.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Right now Bernie’s is popping up all over Los Angeles at farmers markets and private events. You can also find us at Smorgasburg LA every Sunday, one of the biggest outdoor food vendor markets in the country. The best way to find us is to follow us on instagram @bernieslosangeles or find us online at www.bernieslosangeles.com
What was your favorite childhood memory?
I’ll never forget discovering NYC Restaurant Week as a young teenager, where high end restaurants offer a $30 something dollar pre fixe menu. It allowed everyday people to experience what it’s like to eat at some of the best restaurants in New York, and was my first window into the world of refined culinary experiences. I remember sitting at Nobu in Tribeca with my best friend in high school, two 14-year-old boys in oversized khaki pants and button down shirts trying to fit in. We carefully calculated how to divide our money to try as many dishes as possible, savoring every bite and pretending we were two hot shot restaurant critics. We discussed flavors, textures, all the small details that go unnoticed to the average diner. We were obsessed, and looking back is where it all started. I remember wishing I could eat food like that everyday.
My desire to start Bernie’s can be traced back to moments like these. Our shaved ice offer a truly luxurious bite of food, and most importantly, it’s accessible to everyone.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.berniesla.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bernieslosangeles
