John grew up in Franklin, North Carolina, but always felt that food would be a good way to experience more of the world. After earning an Associate’s degree in Culinary Arts from Johnson & Wales in Charlotte, he worked many years in downtown Charlotte and Asheville before returning home 8 years ago. John worked his way from the bottom up—from dishwasher, to line cook, to station cook and beyond… all the while letting his passion for food guide him. He loves connecting people to history through food and its origins, and it shows in each dish he creates.