User:ChristinePhuong/Johnny P. Hernandez

Johnny P. Hernandez (born November 13, 1968) is a Latino chef and graduate from the Culinary Institute of America-Hyde Park in New York. He founded True Flavors Culinary Concepts, San Antonio's premier catering company, in 1994. He is also the founder of La Gloria, voted the city's Best New Restaurant by critics and locals since its opening in May 2010. Chef Hernandez has recently been honored with the titles of Business Owner of the Year by the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and Small Business Leader of the Year by the North Chamber and has worked as spokesperson for the National Pork Board and McCormick Spices.

Life and Career

Chef Johnny Hernandez’ passion for food began at the early age of five in his father’s restaurant and in his Westside San Antonio neighborhood. Encouraged by his father to become a chef, Johnny attended the prestigious Culinary Institute of America in New York. His early career took him to some of the most exclusive resorts in the country, including the Mirage Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada, and the Four Seasons Biltmore in Santa Barbara, California.

It was his entrepreneurial spirit and love for his cultura that led Chef Hernandez to return to San Antonio. In 1994, he opened True Flavors Catering and quickly built a reputation as a rising star in the culinary scene. Since its inception, True Flavors has notably grown to be one of San Antonio’s most regarded caterers, receiving the 2006 Operator of the Year award and being a two-time recipient of the National Association of Catering Executives’ Caterer of the Year. As success continued, Chef Hernandez expanded his endeavors, starting the popular seasonal MesAlegre Chef’s Table at the Pearl Farmers Market--a hot-ticket among food and sustainability enthusiasts alike.

For Chef Hernandez, mentoring young Hispanic aspiring chefs and giving back through extensive involvement in numerous community, non-profit, and professional organizations ranks among his most rewarding experiences. Chef Hernandez created the Paella Challenge, an annual fundraising event that raised over $55,000 for scholarships this year. In addition, Chef Johnny was selected as the national spokesman for McCormick Spices, recently touring the country with the world-renowned spice brand on their Asando Sabroso campaign. Chef Hernandez has received a number of recognitions for his culinary accomplishments, including the title of “Celebrated Chef” and has worked as spokesperson for the National Pork Board. Most recently, he has been named one of the Top 5 Latino Chefs in the country. Appointed by the Mayor to serve as a commissioner for the San Antonio Convention and Visitors Bureau and by the president of the Culinary Institute of America to serve as an alum on their advisory council, Chef Hernandez strives to nurture young “culinarians” through mentorship and serving as a leader in his industry, as well as a positive role model in his community.