Bio

stephen johnston

culinary recruiter

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Stephen was born and raised in southern California. His love for food started at a young age when he would follow his mother around the kitchen intently watching the creation of dishes. This was solidified by an adventurous palate and the curiosity to try anything even at a young age. It was no surprise that Stephen’s first jobs were in restaurants. He started washing dishes at the Boathouse in Encinitas Ca, and worked his way up through the kitchen over time. He then made a move to the front of the house and began bussing tables and eventually serving and bartending. Stephen made his way around northern San Diego working at places such as Pamplemousse, Delicias, Nobu, Waters, and Tomiko.

After several years of this the travel bug bit Stephen. He put his things in storage and headed off to fill his passport. These travels took him throughout Europe and Southeast Asia, South Africa and London. Making pit stops back in the states every few months to work and refuel Stephen continued this for four years until he decided to settle down and get serious about his career. At this point he headed to Florida to Johnson & Wales University and earned his culinary degree. Stephen spent a year with talented young chef Dean Max while doing his externship before heading back to California. Once again Stephen settled at Delicias but this time as sous chef under exec Barry Layne. After two years he headed north to LA and spent his time growing with the KOR group as CDC of the Avalon Hotel and eventually exec chef of the Delfina.  

Stephen’s broad knowledge of the hospitality industry coupled with his familiarity of San Diego makes him an effective recruiter and the perfect person to launch the expansion of DD Factor into San Diego.