Today we’d like to introduce you to Johnny Carino.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Johnny. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I’ve been cooking since my mom passed when I was 12. It’s all I have ever done and I still have the same love today that I did when I was a kid. At 17, I moved to California and launched my career. To date, I have opened over 100 restaurants all over the world.
In 1994 my namesake restaurants Johnny Carino’s started in Ft Collins, Colorado, I remained involved until I frankly grew tired of traveling and the group was sold. Since then, I have opened and developed around 15 concepts, mostly in Texas, and even had a PBS Cooking show from 2002-2018.
Has it been a smooth road?
Everything is a struggle if you allow it to be. For me, from 2000 until 2010, I suffered with pancreatitis and was nearing death. Still I worked and got through it. That was until 2010 when I had my pancreas and spleen removed. This was called an Islet Cell Transplant and was successful in saving my life. However, it left me diabetic. From 2010 until around 2015, I had many issues recovering. The point is I never gave up. My mind overcame it all. I would not let my situation destroy me. Instead, I helped others mentoring and volunteering.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
My company is based in St Simons Island, Georgia. I do, however have clients that jet me around for events. Part of my company is catering, some private home cooking, another part of cooking classes, I have clients that I consult for, and still another part involves public speaking. I’m known as the original LifeStyle Chef as I have competed in bodybuilding and still to this day, through it all, have kept in great shape.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Atlanta is a hotbed of opportunity. I loved in Sandy Springs after I left Texas. The key to Atlanta is get out, drop the computer, shake hands and meet people. Join the chamber, attend charity and special events, volunteer for as much as you can. You will one day realize that big things happen through meeting people in person, not via a computer. Surprise, the key to success.
Contact Info:
- Address: 1906 Mariners Circle
St Simons Island, GA 31522 - Phone: 912-771-9789
- Email: chefjohnnycarino@yahoo.com
- Instagram: chef johnny carino
- Facebook: chefjohnnycarino
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