My business partner of 16 years passed away unexpectedly this morning.
Last night, we were celebrating his 50th birthday at Bar Bao......

The party was wonderful and the speech that he made was short and sweet. He highlighted that some of the people at the party, he had known since the 60's.

Everyone was there and as I called all of our friends this morning- everyone thinks it is just untrue!

When we were leaving at midnight, Steve grabbed me and said, "Paul, you know we are going to be partners for the rest of our lives!" And then he gave me a big hug and we told each other that we loved each other.

My relationship with Steve in the restaurant business was very passionate. We always had the same goal, not necessarily the same way to get those goals accomplished, but never the less, the same passion.

We fought like cats and dogs, we laughed, we shared everything! And now he is gone at 49 years old. He has a new baby named Hudson and a great wife named Aimee! How is this possible? How?

Steve was sometimes (always) irritable and quick to snap, but he was also succinct with his thought process and always took longer than me to make a decision. He taught me how to speak . I remember when I first met him in 1993 and how I was basically a Jersey boy, who could have never sat at a board room table and negotiate a deal. I can now, thanks to Steve!

I could go on and on about what a great friend, brother and business partner; instead I will leave it at this:

Steve had an amazing heart and loved his friends and family. He loved the restaurant business with passion and vigor.

I will miss him dearly. The restaurants will miss him dearly!

There was only one Steve Scher- the mold was certainly broken when he was born!