0009 Chef John Wilson Owner of Sophie’s Cork & Ale
John Wilson
Sophie’s Cork & Ale
Lexington, NC
Chef John Wilson is 31 years old. He has lived in Lexington, NC since he was 9. He started out washing dishes at a local country club in high school when he was 16.
He was always intrigued by what was going on restaurant while he was scrubbing the dishes. Eventually a cook left and he asked if he could step up and learn that role.
He Instantly made friendships in that country club that would eventually help him get to where he is today as a restaurant owner.
He cooked at a couple of country clubs, was promoted to sous chef, eventually landed another sous chef job in Greensboro, NC at the Iron Hen Cafe, then made he made his way to Willow’s Bistro where his education flourished under Chef Travis Myers (2018 NC Chef of the Year).
Chef John lives in a very small town, that is trying to be more progressive these days and bring a spark back to the small town. He learned of a Wine bar opening in Lexington, NC and they would be serving food. He got his first Head Chef Job and after three years was offered to buy it from the original owners. Chef John has been the owner since April 2019.
He is also a graduate of Guilford Technical Community College with his associates in culinary arts. He won best chef under 30 in 2018 in the Piedmont Traid (NC).
About the author, Eric Martin
I have over 27 yrs. experience in the foodservice industry where I started in entry level sales calling on chefs and restaurant owners day in and day out. In 2006, I recognized my dream of becoming a business owner when my partners and I purchased the company that we helped build. During my career, I've grown to learn that restaurant owners are some of the most special entrepreneurs in the world. As the Founder of the Feeding Your Passion podcast, I'm excited about this opportunity to tell their stories.