Chefs and Restaurants

Chefs to Watch 2020: John Sleasman, The Bar at Willett, Bardstown, Ky.

Nevin Martell

“I loved walking in every day to a blank slate. You always start with nothing.” This realization hit John Sleasman while working in catering, a side gig to pay the bills while he pursued a pharmacy career. The energy and excitement of the nonstop problem solving required of him was enough to convince him to change professions. After enrolling in the culinary program at the Art Institute of Jacksonville, he earned his degree in 2008,...