Known by his friends and family as an aficionado of all things culinary, Chef Shannon Johnson brings more than 25 years experience in the field including beginning as a working chef to most recently leading menu innovation at the world's most popular chicken restaurant chain. At Chattanooga State he will oversee the Culinary Arts portion of the Hospitality Management Program and direct the Michael P. Hennen Hospitality and Culinary Center.
According to Johnson, his vision is to “map a path in hospitality with a focus on customizing the experience.”
Coming home to Chattanooga was bittersweet for him. He knew the late Michael Hennen personally and watched him grow up. “I want to give back to the community and evoke the same type of spirit that Michael had for hospitality and food,” said Mr. Johnson.
Chef Johnson is a graduate of Central High School in Chattanooga. His interest in culinary arts steered him to the globally recognized College of Culinary Arts at Johnson & Wales University in Providence, RI where he earned his associate degree in Culinary Arts. Continuing his education and gaining experience, he has studied at the Culinary Institute of America, Beringer Vineyards School for American Chefs, and the International School of Confectionary Arts.
His skills have been honed through a number of work experiences including Executive Chef for Walt Disney Company; Vice President of the Culinary and Menu Strategy teams at Applebee’s; Executive Chef, Director of Menu Innovation for McDonald’s Corporation; and most recently, leading Research and Development, QA and Sensory as Chief Food Innovation Officer for Kentucky Fried Chicken, US.
Throughout his career, Chef Johnson has been responsible for directing food development, ingredient and product improvement, and new product innovation and campaign menu testing to help drive measurable quality and convenience for restaurant guests.
If Chef Johnson’s first love is food, wine is a close second as proven by the Sommelier Certification he received from the Court of Master Sommeliers.
Johnson, a resident of Lookout Mountain, is exited about his new role and looks forward to the promising future of the program. For more information about the Hospitality Management Program visit www.chattanoogastate.edu or call 423-697-4462.