John Doherty

John Doherty is the chef-owner of Blackbarn Restaurant. He has a distinguished 30-year legacy at the Waldorf Astoria, during which he served four standing Presidents of the United States, authored "The Waldorf-Astoria Cookbook," and received the James Beard Silver Spoon Award.

After graduating from the Culinary Institute of America with the Richard Keating award and being appointed Executive Chef of the Waldorf Astoria kitchen at age 27, Doherty continuously demonstrated his commitment to culinary excellence. He officially opened his own restaurant, Blackbarn, in September 2015, offering a menu that emphasizes modern twists on traditional dishes with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. In late 2017, he expanded his business to Chelsea Market alongside partners Mark and Kristen Zeff, further enhancing his vision of a luxury lifestyle through the Blackbarn shop, cafe, and bar.

In addition to his culinary ventures, Doherty founded the Heavenly Harvest Foundation to provide healthy, shelf-stable meals for families in need. His leadership skills significantly contributed to the success of the Waldorf's culinary operations, which generated over $100 million in annual sales. Doherty’s contributions also extend into media, having been featured on PBS's show "At The Chef's Table" and other networks including Travel Channel, A&E, and Food Network. His other television appearances include The Today Show, CBS, and CW11.

Doherty is also an active member of the culinary and hospitality community, frequently speaking at national events and serving on the advisory boards of New York's City Harvest, The French Culinary Institute, and the Culinary Institute of America. His accolades include an honorary Doctorate from Johnson & Wales, an honorary Masters degree from the Culinary Institute of America, and a Leadership award from Niagara University, coupled with Food Arts Magazine's Silver Spoon Award.