Chef John Oechsner

Chef Instructor, Baking & Pastry Arts, Hospitality & Restaurant Operations Management

chef john oechsner
Location: Online programs
Favorite Dish: Sourdough bread

"It is never too late to be what you might have been."

George Eliot

About

Chef John is something of a trendsetter. His brewpub, Highland Brewing Co., opened in Atlanta in 1989—long before the craft beer boom of the 1990s and 2000s!

Chef John has worked as a pastry chef, sous chef, and executive chef throughout his career, including a stint at the Waldorf-Astoria in New York City. He also opened a small bread business that specialized in organic sourdough bread that he sold at farmer’s markets.

Chef John is an Certified Executive Pastry Chef® and Certified Culinary Educator®. He holds an associate degree from the Culinary Institute of America and a degree in Traditional Economics from S.U.N.Y. Oneonta.

And as a bread-and-pastry guy, he’s made many pilgrimages to Vienna. In fact, he’s led nine group trips to the city to sample viennoiserie from its namesake city.

Professional EXPERIENCE

  • Chef-Owner - Highland Brewing Co., Atlanta, GA
  • Pastry Chef - Parks Catering, Atlanta, GA
  • Executive Chef - La Tour Restaurant, Atlanta, GA
  • Sous Chef - Hedgerose Heights Restaurant, Atlanta, GA
  • Sous Chef - Pano's and Paul's Restaurant, Atlanta, GA
  • Banquet Cook - Waldorf-Astoria Hotel, New York City, NY

Education

  • Bachelor of Arts in Traditional Economics, S.U.N.Y., Oneonta, NY
  • Associate of Science Culinary Arts, Culinary Institute of America, Hyde park, NY

Special Interests

Fermenting (vegetables, hot sauce), woodworking, gardening, and collecting vinyl records.

Request More Information
Campus of Interest*
Program of Interest*

By clicking the "Send Request" button, I am providing my signature in accordance with the E-Sign Act, and express written consent and agreement to be contacted by, and to receive calls and texts using automated technology and/or prerecorded calls, and emails from, Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts at the number and email address I provided above, regarding furthering my education and enrolling. I acknowledge that I am not required to agree to receive such calls and texts using automated technology and/or prerecorded calls as a condition of enrolling at Escoffier. I further acknowledge that I can opt-out of receiving such calls and texts by calling 888-773-8595, by submitting a request via Escoffier’s website, or by emailing [email protected].

Students from ,
Earn a degree or diploma from the largest culinary school brand in the U.S.!*

Find all the resources you need to begin your culinary journey at Escoffier.

Get Started Here
*Based on comparable student population data for Austin and Boulder as currently reported in Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS).
Arrow
Unlock Your Insider’s Guide to Culinary School

We’ve compiled all of the essential questions into one handy guide. Get it today.

Get My Insider’s Guide!
Campus of Interest*
Program of Interest*

By clicking the "Get the Guide Now" button, I am providing my signature in accordance with the E-Sign Act, and express written consent and agreement to be contacted by, and to receive calls and texts using automated technology and/or prerecorded calls, and emails from, Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts at the number and email address I provided above, regarding furthering my education and enrolling. I acknowledge that I am not required to agree to receive such calls and texts using automated technology and/or prerecorded calls as a condition of enrolling at Escoffier. I further acknowledge that I can opt-out of receiving such calls and texts by calling 888-773-8595, by submitting a request via Escoffier’s website, or by emailing [email protected].

Close the banner Is Culinary School Right For You?
Take This Short Quiz
Is Culinary School Right For You? Take This Short Quiz