 |
Johnny Carino '81Johnny Carino, better known as Johnny C, somehow finds time to do the many things he loves. He’s become famous in Texas for his cooking show “Break Me off a Piece of That” which airs on PBS. Apart from the show, Carino’s “day job” is being the namesake for Johnny Carino’s Italian Restaurant. With close to 350 locations nationwide, Carino continually opens restaurants around the world in countries ranging from Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines and Korea. If you thought that was enough to keep him busy, you’re wrong; being a former body builder, Carino fills his “free time” as a volunteer firefighter in Austin.
Carino got his start studying culinary arts in Johnson & Wales’ Advanced Standing program. He has worked in the industry for over 20 years, holding positions with Brinker International and Carlson Restaurants Worldwide. Carino now works in concept development for Yum! Brands, the largest restaurant company in the world. When asked what keeps him going, Carino said “I’m just very goal oriented. It was my goal as kid to compete as a body builder, my family (members) are firefighters, so when I had the opportunity to do that, I did.” Currently, Carino is completing a set of DVDs showcasing his PBS show, featuring some of his favorite shows and recipes. |
  |