Chef
John Courtney
Culinary affiliations
Social
From boardrooms to Michelin-starred kitchens, Chef John Courtney blends two decades of discipline and fire to elevate classic cuisine with precision and intent.
Chef John Courtney has spent the past two decades building a career at the intersection of finance and food, combining analytical discipline with culinary craft. His journey began with an apprenticeship at Le Bistro in Walnut Creek, California, sparking a passion that led him to train at CCA San Francisco and La Bouitte, the three Michelin-starred restaurant in France.
After starting in banking, Courtney transitioned fully into the kitchen, bringing a structured, performance-driven mindset to his culinary work. He rose through the ranks to serve as Chef de Cuisine at acclaimed concepts including DB Brasserie and Yardbird, before becoming Culinary Director at Simon Hospitality.
A defining chapter of his career was leading Block 16 at The Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas, where he oversaw a dynamic portfolio of concepts including Pok Pok, Hattie B’s, Lardo, Ghost Donkey, Tekka Bar Handroll & Sushi, and District Donuts Sliders & Brews.
Today, Courtney is the owner and operator of Chop Shop Park City and The Bake Shop Park City, where he delivers award-winning food rooted in technique and execution. A Chopped Champion (Season 43) and competitor on Late Night Chef Fight, he continues to focus on creating memorable, high-impact dining experiences.
John Courtney brings a thoughtful, technique-focused approach to classic dishes, elevating familiar forms through precision and attention to detail.
