John attended Northern Arizona University’s School of Hotel and Restaurant Management. At the age of 21, he opened his first restaurant Salsa Brava. He still runs it 34 years later.

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John’s restaurants (Salsa Brava and Fat Olives) have appeared on “Diners Drive In’s and Dives” and John has competed on 11 Guys Grocery Games All-Stars converting his winning into $185,000 and donating it all to Special Olympics

He’s a proud member of the Messlords traveling to over 23 Countries, 50 military bases and cooking up great chow for over 250,000 military personal all over the world.

John was awarded “Chef of the Year” by his peers of the American Culinary Federation and honored with the ACF “Presidents Award. He is an award winning author of “Salsa Brava Cocina” and believes he has a responsibility to support local and non-profit groups and events. He continually donates his time to Special Olympics, Victim Witness Services, Flagstaff Family Food Center, and local schools. He encourages families to cook together by holding the annual Salsa Brava Kids Cooking Contest.