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2026
RISING STAR - SEPTEMBER
CHEF JOHN MESAS
From Long Island Chef is an accomplished culinary professional, graduate of Eastern Suffolk BOCES and member of the American Culinary Federation Long Island Chapter, now with over eight years of experience.
Photo of John Mesas front center @ St. Johns University after being awarded trophies at The BBQ Brawl
About John A graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, Chef John developed a strong foundation in classical culinary fundamentals, technique, and discipline—skills that have continued to shape his career and provide the foundation for everything he has accomplished since. After graduating from the Culinary Institute of America, Chef John began building his career in professional food service, eventually joining Hofstra University, where he gained valuable experience in collegiate dining and large-scale culinary operations. His time at Hofstra helped him grow not only as a chef, but also as a leader and mentor. Today, Chef John serves as the Executive Chef at Catawba College, where he leads culinary operations with a focus on quality, creativity, and creating memorable dining experiences for students. His culinary specialty is BBQ, combining traditional techniques with a creative and approachable style. One of Chef John's proudest accomplishments has been earning the opportunity to step into his Executive Chef role and being recognized as future talent within his organization. To him, leadership is about more than running a successful kitchen—it is about building a strong team, developing people, and continually finding ways to improve the dining experience. Chef John's cooking philosophy is simple: if we can make the day of a couple of students, that's a great day. He believes food has the ability to create memorable moments, bring people together, and make someone's day just a little better. For Chef John, that is what makes being a chef rewarding.
Hospitality News / National Edition / Sept 2026 / Page 70
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