Meet Johnathan Pitts | Owner and Executive Chef

We had the good fortune of connecting with Johnathan Pitts and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Johnathan, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
My thought process behind starting my own business came from wanting more creative freedom and ownership over my work. I have always loved food, but I knew I wanted to build something that represented my voice, my background, and the way I see hospitality.

I wanted to create a brand where I could provide more than just meals. I wanted to create experiences — whether that’s catering an event, cooking a private dinner, building a custom menu, or helping clients with weekly meal prep. Starting my own business gave me the opportunity to serve people in a more personal way.

It also came from understanding that if I was going to work hard, sacrifice, and put my name on something, I wanted it to be something I could build long-term. Chef John Caters became a way for me to turn my passion, experience, and creativity into a brand that reflects who I am.

For me, it was never just about being my own boss. It was about building something with purpose, creating opportunities, and leaving behind work that people remember.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Professionally, I got to where I am today through a combination of culinary school, real kitchen experience, hard work, and learning through different opportunities. Culinary school gave me a foundation in technique, discipline, and understanding the craft, but the real world taught me how to adapt, lead, execute under pressure, and develop my own voice as a chef.

It was not easy. The food industry can be demanding, competitive, and unpredictable. There were times when I had to figure things out as I went, rebuild my confidence, and keep going even when things did not happen as fast as I wanted them to.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend came to visit Atlanta for a week, I would want them to experience the city the way I see it — through food, culture, music, neighborhoods, nightlife, and real hospitality.

Since I am a chef, food would definitely lead the itinerary. I would start with a good brunch, because Atlanta is a brunch city. From there, we would spend a day exploring the BeltLine, stopping through Ponce City Market or Krog Street Market, walking around, grabbing small bites, and just taking in the energy of the city.

I would also want them to experience some of Atlanta’s culture and history, so we would visit places connected to the city’s civil rights legacy, check out art at the High Museum, and maybe spend some time at the Atlanta Botanical Garden or Piedmont Park. I think Atlanta has a great balance of history, creativity, and modern energy.

Food-wise, I would take them to a mix of places — some soul food, some seafood, some international food on Buford Highway, and a few lounges or restaurants with good music and atmosphere. I like places that feel alive but still have good food and service. I would also probably cook for them one night, because that is my way of showing love and making the trip personal.

For nightlife, we are definitely going to experience Atlanta’s grown nightlife culture. We would support the “naked hustle” respectfully and probably stop by Magic City for the wings, because that is part of Atlanta food culture in its own way. I would also take them to Blue Flame for the views, the energy, and the salmon bites. Atlanta has always had a unique relationship between food, music, nightlife, and entertainment, and I think that is part of what makes the city interesting.

By the end of the week, I would want them to feel like they saw more than just tourist spots. I would want them to feel Atlanta’s flavor — the creativity, the food culture, the Black excellence, the nightlife, the neighborhoods, and the people. Atlanta has a lot of layers, and the best way to enjoy it is to slow down, eat well, listen to the music, meet good people, and let the city show you who it is.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I wanna shoutout Khalid Cobbs and his constant contribution to the community as one of the best barbers and overall man of culture and integrity. He should not go unnoticed he’s a consistent pillar in the community and strives to be better than he was the next day