Chef John Mikhail Minas attributes his culinary passion to his Armenian mother and Assyrian grandfather, whose influence inspired his love for cooking. Growing up in Boston, Massachusetts, John spent every Sunday watching his mother and grandfather lovingly prepare traditional Armenian and Middle Eastern dishes for their large family. These cherished recipes, passed down through generations, connect him to his cultural roots as a first-generation American.

In 2006, John honed his skills at the Culinary Institute of America and gained experience in various high-end restaurants across New England. His journey through the culinary world has led him to create “real” food that is prepared simply, catering to those who crave healthy and flavorful meals.

In 2011, Chef Minas was appointed Executive Chef for Florida’s Governor, serving Governor Rick Scott and First Lady Ann Scott for over four years. During his tenure, he authored the award-winning cookbook Viva la Florida: Simple, Fresh & Elegant Recipes from the Florida Governor’s Mansion, commemorating the state’s 500-year anniversary. He prepared wholesome, flavorful dishes showcasing Florida’s abundant seafood and agricultural bounty and represented the state at the 2011 Great American Seafood Cook-off, competing against top chefs nationwide.

After successfully serving the Governor and First Lady, Chef Minas embraced the challenge of designing and launching an elevated dining experience in Tallahassee’s historic Electric Company building in Cascade Park. As Managing Director and Executive Chef, he crafted a simple, fresh, and elegant menu that blended his heritage with North Florida’s local flavors. The Tallahassee community warmly welcomed his vision, awarding The Edison Restaurant the title of “Best New Restaurant.” Its opening garnered significant attention, leading to numerous events, interviews, and television appearances. Chef Minas was later selected as one of the distinguished chefs for the 2017 Naples Winter Wine Festival, joining culinary icons like Tom Colicchio, Enrique Olvera, and Master of Ceremonies Wolfgang Puck.
Following his success at The Edison, Chef Minas combined his entrepreneurial spirit with the humanitarian efforts of celebrity chef Art Smith at his 501(c)(3) Reunion Organization, a community culinary school located in the historic Wardlaw-Smith House in Madison, Florida. In this rural city, just 45 minutes from Tallahassee, Chef Minas engages in community outreach and sustainable food systems, focusing on food education and culinary workshops. His appreciation for philanthropy deepened while shadowing Chef Art Smith, participating in celebrity dinners, international culinary diplomatic events, and various philanthropic food initiatives globally.