Chetan Michie

Chetan Michie was born and raised in Manhattan, KS, been cooking for 19 years. He came to Lawrence to study French, but quickly fell into cooking under Alejandro Lule, where after 3 years became kitchen manager.

Chetan spent 5 years under Chef Ken Baker, Amanda Stand-ridge, and Brian Strecker at Pachamamas Restaurant and Star Bar as a catering chef and eventually sous chef. He explored many different cuisines during his time at Pachamamas, and developed a strong interest in food anthropology/agricultural historical development as well as food science. He attended attended the Johnson County Community College culinary program to further his skill set.

Recently he spent two years as sous chef of 715, focusing on daytime operations, and exploring non conventional/ethnic breakfast and lunch specialties, as well as being trained as a butcher under Zach Thompson and Lee Meisel. Following that, he began collaborating with Mike and Jen in a professional setting at the Lawrence branch of Port Fonda, specializing in Mexican and Indigenous cuisine prepared in a conscientious and creative way. Most recently, Chetan developed Latchkey Deli with Mike and Jen while honing his curing and smoking skills at Lark a Fare, and is excited to showcase his skill set to you!

Jen Young

Jen and Mike Young moved to Lawrence in 2008. With a new chapter starting in their journey, a new marriage, a son on the way, and a load of hospitality experience. They both had ambition to really ground themselves in Family, art, performance, food, and community.

Once just a kid behind a counter in her parents coffee shop in Nebraska, to waitressing at various mom and pop shops, serving and training in corporate restaurants, working in dives, fine dining, and the list goes on. 

Best known in Lawrence for her work behind the bar, and as the booking gal at Frank's North Star Tavern for its tenure. She also made appearances behind the bars of The Bourgeois Pig , Harbour Lights, and Port Fonda Lawrence. 

Jen moved into leadership at Port Fonda Lawrence while expecting her second child, and was a part of the opening/management team at Lark a Fare. The summer of 2019 brought her to a position as FOH Manager at RPG Lawrence. 

Jen is now solely focused on Latchkey Deli, and excited to show Lawrence what she’s been dreaming up for her entire life. Know as “Mama Jen” to some: She is just that, to all she encounters: her staff, guests, and everyone in between.

Mike Young

Mike Young was born and raised in Lincoln, NE and moved to Lawrence in the summer of 2008 with his new wife Jen while expecting their first child. 

Before moving to Lawrence Mike cut his teeth in the restaurant business in Lincoln. Since his relocation to Lawrence Mike has held many different positions at various downtown restaurants; including but not limited to: Wheatfields Bakery and Cafe, Ten Restaurant at The Eldridge, and Terrebonne. It wasn’t until Mike started as bartender at Port Fonda, Lawrence he moved into management, starting as bar manager, then becoming general manager overseeing day to day operations. 

Mike’s path crossed with Chetan’s in a professional setting while at Port Fonda, then onto Lark A Fare where the idea of opening up a restaurant/deli was born. 

After years of learning what to do, and more importantly what not to do, Mike and his team are excited to bring their version of a deli to downtown Lawrence. Showcasing their unique take on hospitality focused on community.