Hyde Park, NY, October 28, 2022 – Thirty-year restaurant and hospitality industry veteran and the Culinary Institute of America (CIA) alumnus, John C. Metz Jr. has been elected the 22nd chairman of CIA’s board of trustees. He succeeds restaurateur Ralph Brennan in this role.
“John Metz embodies the best of all worlds—a solid culinary and business foundation, combined with a warm and gracious personality,” said CIA President Dr. Tim Ryan. “He gives 110 percent to everything he does and as an alum, brings keen insight into the student experience. I look forward to continuing to work with him to help lead the Institute—and the industry—into the future.”
Metz currently serves as CEO, executive chef and co-founder of the newly opened the Woodall, in Atlanta, as well as Marlow’s Tavern, and the upscale contract foodservice company Sterling Culinary Management. Through Sterling, he reimagined corporate dining through chef-driven, upscale restaurant concepts including Bistro del sol, The Grove, Market Street Café, Bistro 191, Social Kitchen, and Central Provisions as well as 55+ luxury communities. In addition, in 2018, he and his partner opened The Spinning Room in Dalton, GA, an upscale wine and beer bar, offering small plates and live music.
From an early age, Metz nurtured his passion for the industry, moving up the ranks from dishwasher to running the kitchen in one of his father’s restaurants. His formal education began with The Pennsylvania State University’s Hotel and Restaurant Management program. From there, he went on to Switzerland—where he staged at two Michelin-starred restaurants—prior to enrolling at CIA, from which he graduated at the top of his class in 1992.
In 2020, Metz was named to the Atlanta Business Chronicle’s “Atlanta 2020 Most Admired CEO” list. An active community member and philanthropist, he serves on the boards of both national and local organizations, including The National Restaurant Association’s and Georgia Restaurant Association’s Board of Directors, The Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau’s board. He was appointed vice chairman of the Distinguished Restaurants of North America (DiRoNa) in 2005 and served as their board chairman in 2007 and 2008. In addition, he is a fervent supporter of Special Olympics Georgia and Share Our Strength, and Sterling Hospitality, the parent company of the Woodall, Marlow’s Tavern, and Sterling Culinary Management, has raised more than $1.7 million for these and other community organizations.
“I am humbled and honored to serve as chairman of the Culinary Institute of America,” said Metz, who joined the college’s Board of Trustees in 2014. “Today’s CIA students are truly poised to lead our industry into the future and redefine the restaurant and hospitality industries. I can’t think of a more rewarding position than to help shepherd that process.”
CIA’s Board of Trustees consists of 22 highly respected leaders in the foodservice industry and business world. They provide expert governance and guidance for the not-for-profit college and are not compensated for their services.
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About the Culinary Institute of America:
Founded in 1946, the Culinary Institute of America is the world’s premier culinary college. Dedicated to developing leaders in foodservice and hospitality, the independent, not-for-profit CIA offers master’s, bachelor’s, and associate degrees with majors in culinary arts, baking and pastry arts, food business management, hospitality management, culinary science, and applied food studies. The college also offers executive education, certificate programs, and courses for professionals and enthusiasts. Its conferences, leadership initiatives, and consulting services have made CIA the think tank of the food industry and its worldwide network of more than 50,000 alumni includes innovators in every area of the food world. CIA has locations in New York, California, Texas, and Singapore.
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