John Whalin, is the executive chef and general manager of in Springfield.
Whalin is the talent responsible for creating The Porch's menu items and he enjoys putting a new twist on traditional favorites.
Cooking Up Creativity
Whalin graduated from the prestigious Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY. He stays current on the latest trends and techniques to keep things fresh in the kitchen and the customers coming back.
"I really enjoy the creating," said Whalin. "It is my favorite part of my job. It allows me the privilege of making people happy."
A Typical Day on the Job
A typical day for Whalin starts at 7 a.m. and lasts until 8 or 9 p.m. As an executive chef, Whalin is in charge of everything from cooking and menu creation to daily maintenance and prep. He also handles staff meetings, scheduling, administration, and finance.
When He's Not Working, He's Still Cooking
When Whalin is not on the job he enjoys spending time with his wife and two sons in their Ardmore home.
"On my days off, I often cook special dinners for my family," said Whalin.
