Chef John Iacofano

For Chef John Iacofano, cooking has always been a way of life. His grandfather was an Italian immigrant who operated a restaurant for over 30 years in Cleveland, Ohio. John grew up in his grandfather`s restaurant, Johnny`s Room 24. In addition, John`s father played various leading roles in the culinary world from Executive Chef, Corporate Food and Beverage Director and establishing the Ohio School of Culinary Arts.

When John`s father passed away, John, at age 19, took the reins and ran the cooking school until the economy shut it down. Later John pursued his passion for cuisine, catering to thousands, including world leaders.

In 1999, John moved to Charleston to attend Johnson and Wales University. According to John, "it is amazing how you can start something out of nothing." In his case, "you start with a sandwich and see how far you can take it," he said.

With $98 to his name and money coming in from a painting job, John opened his first official Iacofano`s location in June 2001. He began preparing deli trays for corporate groups and opened a deli in North Charleston and Iacofano`s Deli in West Ashley.

Although Iacofano`s Deli thrived in West Ashley for over 7 years, John wanted to concentrate on his catering and restaurant role. His Mount Pleasant deli, established in 2005, recently got a facelift and became Iacofano`s Italian Bistro and Bar, a full restaurant and bar.

His passion for excellence and food variety has led John to establish more concepts. Lunch Academy was established to feed nutritional and cost effective lunches to students of the Lowcountry. Johnny Q`s BBQ Catering and Oyster Roast was opened simply because of John`s love for BBQ. In his own words, "it brings people together in an informal setting and allows you to be part of the entire experience." Catered by Iacofano`s was separated from the restaurant to establish formality in our Corporate Catering and "quite frankly, because it was getting so busy." The latest concept of John’s is JLI Catering and Events. "I wanted to get back to Weddings and rehearsals but it needed to be done right, and we are doing it right."

Today Chef John Iacofano serves up the best of Italian-American cuisine, while greeting patrons and clients by name. He continues to stay active in the community and looks forward to continuing to serve the lowcountry for all of their culinary needs.