John Persico A.k.a. Johnny Ciao
Greenwood Lake,NY
Summary
John Persico has had an extensive career in entertainment industry from artist management, marketing, sponsored promotions, in-house publicity services including concerts, charitable events and national campaigns for music, sports and political clients.
Knowledgeable [Desired Position] with solid background in creating personalized meal plans and preparing high-quality, nutritious dishes tailored to clients' dietary needs. Demonstrated expertise in sourcing fresh ingredients and maintaining high standards of food safety and kitchen cleanliness. Proven ability to manage time efficiently and adapt menus to suit client preferences while showcasing creativity and culinary skills.
Culinary professional known for delivering exceptional dining experiences through innovative menu planning and precise execution. Adept at customizing meals to meet diverse dietary requirements and preferences, ensuring client satisfaction. Strong focus on teamwork and flexibility, consistently maintaining high standards and reliability in dynamic environments. Proficient in advanced cooking techniques and effective kitchen management.
Overview
50
50
years of professional experience
Work History
Co-Owner
Celebrity Rock Cafe
Atlanta
01.1996
- Opened during the 1996 Olympics.
- Released his 2nd Book titled 'Koncert Kitchen'.
Personal Chef
Louis Markakis
Boston, MA
01.2020 - 12.2025
- Produced book and video “Cooking With Country Music Stars’ featuring 36 top country music stars and their recipes. Sold over 1,000,000 copies.
- Moved to San Francisco and met the infamous late great concert promoter/manager Bill Graham, and began providing his other undiscovered talent-cooking for celebs as Culinary Rocker JOHNNY CIAO. His first gig- providing backstage goodies at the Bammy Awards for a variety of music stars including Carlos Santana, the Grateful Dead, Journey, Huey Lewis, Buddy Miles and others.
- Prepared diverse menus tailored to client preferences and dietary restrictions.
- Coordinated meal planning schedules to ensure timely delivery of services.
- Developed relationships with clients through personalized culinary experiences and feedback integration.
Hollywood
01.2010 - Current
- Consulted major restaurant project at Universal City Walk in Hollywood.
- Produced a global series on food and culture in the UK, Canada and US called Culinary Encounters which aired throughout Europe and Canada.
01.2002 - 01.2010
- Developed the Symphonic Seasonings and Oils line of products selling in Supermarkets and Gourmet outlets across the USA.
- Produced and Presented dozens of highly successful Benefit Shows for many charitable organizations at venues including the House of Blues to Country Clubs to other well established venues.
- Booked Johnny Ciao on television and radio shows around the globe promoting his products and live appearances. They include Regis, Good Morning America, Today Show, Wayne Brady, Dick Clark Productions, Good Morning Britain, the Other Half, Marilu Henner, George and Alana to dozens of local affiliates in major cities.
Costa Brava, Spain
01.1999 - 01.2001
- Opened restaurant on the Costa Brava in Spain.
Johnny Ciao brand
01.1990 - 01.1998
- Created and launched the Johnny Ciao brand for television and media appearances, benefits, Live Shows and Food Products including his Famous Vegta-Bread and Symphonic Seasonings and Oils. Spokesperson for food and food related companies including Colavita Olive Oil, Pedrini, Cool Juice, DeLonghi, Taylor and Ng and others.
- Made regular In-Store Appearances from Bloomingdales to major Supermarket chains and gourmet stores, as well as at the Fancy Food Show in NY and the Housewares Show in Chicago.
01.1989 - 01.1990
- Lived with and worked for Michael Jackson at Neverland as his Estate Manager and Personal Chef. Guests included the late Marlon Brando, Whitney Houston, Gregory Peck, Deepak Chopra and Barry Gordy.
Founder
Music Video Services Inc.
Atlanta
01.1983 - 01.1987
- Also compiled the first music video chart in the US that was published weekly in Rolling Stone Magazine, TV Guide and USA Today. Clients included Warner Brothers, Columbia, Epic and their affiliate labels, Arista, Geffen, Asylum, Chrysalis, and many independent labels from the US, UK and Australia.
- Produced FM Magazinean Entertainment Tonite Format for the Music Industry. Guests included Willie Nelson, Boy George, Director Bob Giraldi and others.
- Opened offices in Beverly Hills and provided independent marketing and promotional services for A+M Records, New World Video, Pacific Arts Video, Live Entertainment, Warner Bros., CBS to name a few. Consulted on projects for Hank Williams Jr., Bryan Adams, Janet Jackson, Divine, Pia Zadora, Jermaine Jackson and many others.
- Company was largest distributor and promoter of music videos.
Partner
International Talent Corporation
Atlanta
01.1978 - 01.1983
- Representing a myriad of clients from baseball great Hank Aaron, Music Legend Isaac Hayes, Author and running guru Mike Spino, Long Distance runner Stan Cottrell and a host of many other clients in the political, sports and music worlds.
- Managed Hank Aaron during this period. Booked him on Happy Days and many other TV shows, also secured endorsements for Hank for Kentucky Fried Chicken, Kodak and Colonial Bread.
- Developed and syndicated the first rhythm and blues radio show called Black Music Countdown hosted by Isaac Hayes.
- Responsible for personal management, obtaining corporate sponsors for endorsements, speaking engagements, promotional events and more. Some clients included Pfizer, Kentucky Fried Chicken, Schlitz Beer, Paramount Pictures, Winnebago, McCann Erickson, J. Walter Thompson and many other advertising agencies, corporate sponsors and entertainment companies.
- Directed and Produced Major Concert event for television in Crossville Tennessee featuring Willie Nelson, Oak Ridge Boys and Charlie Daniels.
- Produced concerts and other events at the 1982 World's Fair in Knoxville, Tn. for an experimental television station set up specifically for the Fair.
- Produced a television special at the Willie Nelson Picnic for the Nashville Network. Artists Included Willie, Waylon Jennings, Merle Haggard, Linda Rondstadt, Stray Cats, David Alan Coe and many others.
Radio and Nightclub personality
Urban Format Radio Stations
Florida
01.1976 - 01.1978
- Rock and Jazz Concert Promoter at large venues including Curtis Hixon, Bayfront Center and Sunshine Speedway in Florida as well as the Fox Theater and Civic Center in Atlanta in Atlanta. Brought major jazz artists into the Atlanta Federal Penitentiary. Received an Award as Honorary Convict of the Year.
Education
High School Diploma -
Monroe Woodbury
Central Valley, NY06-1974
Skills
Wonderful People Skills and Many stories to share if necessary I am well versed in European/California Inventive and Healthy Cuisine
Charitable Organizations
- HEROES FOR A CURE
- CEREBRAL PALSEY
- MAKE A WISH FOUNDATION
- ALS
- ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME
- US WAR DOGS
- TOYS FOR TOTS
- ALS CELEBRITY GOLF TOURNAMENT
- JOHN DEERE CLASSIC IN IOWA FOR CBS
- TAMPA BAY WINE AND FOOD FESTIVAL
- HOMES FOR UNWED MOTHERS
- VETERAN HOUSING
- CHI CHI RODRIGUEZ GOLF TOURNAMENTS
Locations
- Atlanta, GA
- Crossville, TN
- Knoxville, TN
- Beverly Hills, CA
- San Francisco, CA
- Costa Brava
- Hollywood, CA
Languages
English
Full Professional
Timeline
Personal Chef
Louis Markakis
01.2020 - 12.2025
01.2010 - Current
01.2002 - 01.2010
01.1999 - 01.2001
Co-Owner
Celebrity Rock Cafe
01.1996
Johnny Ciao brand
01.1990 - 01.1998
01.1989 - 01.1990
Founder
Music Video Services Inc.
01.1983 - 01.1987
Partner
International Talent Corporation
01.1978 - 01.1983
Radio and Nightclub personality
Urban Format Radio Stations
01.1976 - 01.1978
High School Diploma -
Monroe Woodbury