Johnny Poché
Chef, Maggiano’s Little Italy
Poché began his career with Maggiano's Little Italy in 1998 where he was instrumental in opening three successful Maggiano's restaurants in Texas. A true Cajun, the high energy 34 year old was born in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Poché is lucky because he was afforded time in both Louisiana and Texas while growing up. His cooking career started as a child in his Grandparents' kitchen where their influence of southern hospitality and the inherent love for food and wine were abundant.
Johnny Poché states he "loves to cook…cooking is his hobby…..cooking and family is his life"!
Educated at the Baltimore International Culinary College, Poché worked with Chef Lori Finkelman at Exxon Corporation in the reserve dinning room, where he honed his culinary skills. Poché graduated with Honors from the European Educational Center in County Cavan Virginia, Ireland. Poché apprenticed under Master Chef Peter Timmons who is now the chef at the Greenbrier Hotel.
Poché plays golf and enjoys being outdoors. He particularly loves spending time with his wife Anna and his two daughters who are already in the kitchen cooking with Dad. Layla is 6 years old and Morgan is 3 years old. Layla claims that no ones spaghetti is as good her Daddy's, while Morgan likes anything her Daddy prepares.