My Story
From Detroit, Michigan, Johnnie Smith moved to Los Angeles over 26 years ago to pursue a career in Dance and Choreography. After 30 over years of dancing, Johnnie decided to take a much needed break from dancing. He decided to go to culinary school and graduated at the top of his class at Le Cordon Bleu in Hollywood, California. He immediately began working at North Ranch country club and then worked at Rawhyde Adventures for BMW riders as head Chef.
Eleven years ago, Johnnie moved to Sweden with his family for a total of five years. While in Sweden he worked as a chef in an English pub where he had a chance to cook various types of cuisines from around the world. He also worked as a personal chef for various Swedish celebrities in the television and film industry.
In June of 2016, Johnnie and his family returned to California. Upon returning, Johnnie worked as a Sous Chef in Pasadena for “Ba” restaurant. At present, personal chef work is now his goal to maintain his love of cooking and to hone his skills.
Back in Los Angeles, Chef Johnnie, after graduating from Le Cordon Bleu many years ago, has been an executive chef that has traveled the country cooking for some very exclusive clients including a host of well-known Rappers, Athletes and some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry.
After so many parties and holiday gift baskets for friends featuring his signature spices, Chef Johnnie listened to his friends’ feedback and decided to finally move forward and put together his own signature seasonings for the world to taste…He called them Flavor Crank. And so it begins…
Chef Johnnie’s favorite things to cook are International Soulfood and American Bistro using his Flavor Crank seasonings in dishes whenever he cooks personally or professionally.
Since relocating to Los Angeles he has shifted gears and focused on bringing his experience and skillset to clients seeking a more private and intimate affair in their homes, offices, wineries etc.