cbjchef

John DiGiovanni believes that olive oil rules, organization is key, and food, like most things, is best when left to its own simple beauty. To that end, John, together with his culinary team, creates magic night after night in the Nationwide Arena. John has seamlessly combined traditional principles with intelligent culinary adventure since May 2006.

Raised in St. Cloud, Florida, John initially enlisted to be a mechanic in the Marine Corps. Soon after working during Spring Break at Walt Disney World, he took his first bite of culinary training in the Magic Kingdom. John nullified his enlistment to begin life-long training to become a chef. John began his apprenticeship with Disney’s Culinary Academy and three years of intense culinary training in the many kitchens of the Walt Disney World Resort.

After graduating among the top in his class, John was on the opening team for Citricos. Citricos was named one of Esquire’s best new restaurants of 1998. He left Citricos to cook in the prestigious Victoria & Albert’s, Disney’s only AAA 5-diamond restaurant. From there John went to the Grand Floridian Convention Center, where he catered events ranging from celebrity galas to wedding parties.

Chef John returned to where he took his first bite as a Sous Chef of the Magic Kingdom’s Crystal Palace in 2004. 18 months later, Chef John transferred to Quick Service, where he assisted in overseeing quick service operation in the entire theme park.

Ever the avid educator, Chef John worked closely with Disney’s Training and Development Team and was a member of Walt Disney World’s Global Special Dietary Needs Committee. Chef John has been recognized for his work with dietary allergies by his guests & his leaders.

In Feburary 2006, John left Orlando to continue his career in the Columbus, Ohio area. He is the Chef with Delaware North SportService at the Nationwide Arena. Home of the NHL's Columbus Blue Jackets.