Exploring Life & Business with Jason Johnson of The Gourmet Touch Chef Services

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jason Johnson. 

Hi Jason, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I would say my journey began as a middle schooler who had to prepare dinner for my sister and I until my mother came home from work. Also, the many weekends I watched my grandmother in the kitchen cooking, greeting, and sharing love thru food. Maybe it was the influence of watching PBS cooking shows (Julia Childs, Jaque Pepin, The Frugal Gourmet, Justin Wilson) as an adolescent. Whatever the influence, there was a seed planted about cooking and possibly being a chef one day (even it meant as a hobby or side job). As a teen, my first job was at Wendy’s on North Side of Columbus, then in college, I worked in Hotel Banquets… even though, I was adamant about going to school to work in the medical field. It wasn’t until I finished college with Biology degree, that I realized I wasn’t as passionate as I thought about medical or even the job I was working in criminal justice. Food & cooking was where passion resided, and I decided to apply for culinary school and pursue it so I wouldn’t have to live with any regrets! Here I am today, a professional chef for the last 12yrs, which has included many great culinary experiences, now operating my own private chef service business, The Gourmet Touch! 

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Nothing worthwhile comes with ease! The road and journey of being a chef and especially a minority chef has not always been easy. Even when I was in culinary school…it was challenging to balance going to class 4 weeknights a week and on Saturdays while working full time and other obligations/responsibilities. From there, once I did making thru and graduating (out of a starting class of 19, only 9 of us finished!), I relocated to Columbus from Kentucky. This industry within itself is challenging, but also trying to constantly prove yourself in kitchens as an African American chef takes a lot of strength and tenacity. Not getting fair opportunities, being looked over, or not even considered for positions or promotions. I am grateful though for yet following my passion and purpose while enduring and not allowing it to break me. Once I became an chef entrepreneur, the challenge/struggle came to be able to build something sustainable, learn business acumen, and gain resources. Now 4yrs into being an independent chef, I have learned and grown from all those struggles or challenges to become a better chef, entrepreneur, and person! 

We’ve been impressed with The Gourmet Touch Chef Services, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
The Gourmet Touch Chef Services, located in Columbus Ohio, is a Personal / Private Chef Culinary Concierge Service that not only desires to provide quality & fresh food but also personalized services to create lasting & memorable experiences. We specialize in curating Fresh, Quality, Innovative, Luxury cuisine for intimate settings such as Dinner for 2, In-Home Brunch/Dinner Parties, or Small Events. Also, The Gourmet Touch offers In-Home Personal Chef Weekly Meal Service, individual and group cooking classes, as well as Chef-led Live Cooking Demonstrations. We want to be recognized as a one of kind, client-forward, premier culinary business that inspires, invigorates, empowers, and promotes overall wellness, love, and joy! 

The Gourmet Touch is driven by the pursuit of excellence, fresh quality food ingredients, stellar customer service, and immaculate presentation in order to create memorable food experiences that not only tantalize taste buds, but nourish all of the senses, and invoke an all-around inspiring gourmet experience right in the comfort of clients’ home! 

Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Mentorship is vital in any business. It allows one or a business to have levels of growth. In finding a mentor, you have to first connect with or seek someone who is where you are trying to go with your business or as a business owner. There is a level of honest self-introspection that allows you to understand where you currently are, what you need, and where you want to go. That honesty is a level of transparency that you have to set pride aside in order to have the mentor you NEED! Also, most importantly, you want to find a mentor who believes in you and your vision but can also give you greater perspective. Be humble…be teachable and you will be able to learn and grow! I only get to connect with my mentor a handful of times a year, but in those times, he inspires, provokes, challenges, encourages, and builds me up to be better than I was the year before! 

Contact Info:

• Email: thegourmettouchchef@gmail.com
• Website: www.thegourmettouch.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/chefjason7
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/thegourmettouchchef
• Other: www.g.page/thegourmettouchchef