Four Blue Jays make Gambit’s 2013 40 Under Forty list

Each fall Gambit Weekly names 40 young New Orleanians “who have risen to the top of their field or have developed innovative programs and products to make life better.” The magazine refers to them as their 40 Under Forty. Among Gambit’s Class of 2013 are four Blue Jays: Jason Hemel ’92, Ted Joyner ’00, Max Ortiz ’96, and Grant Widmer ’00.

Jason Hemel ’92 is the founder of Peristyle Residences, an assisted living facility for seniors. Jason also serves as president of the board of A Shared Initiative, a nonprofit to help small businesses and low-income residents. And he is on the board of Bayou Boogaloo music festival.

Ted Joyner ’00 and Grant Widmer ’00 are the Generationals, a “power-pop duo” that headlines shows on the national stage. Their success has renewed interest in the city in indy rock and, in doing so, added to the great diversity of the city’s music scene.

Max Ortiz ’96 is the general manager and co-proprietor of Root, one of the city’s most ambitious new restaurants. Disciples of Chef John Besh, Max and his business partner will soon open Square Root, a chef’s table restaurant with only two seatings per night and 15-18 courses per dinner.

Read the entire 40 Under Forty Gambit article.