Jon Gum, formerly the executive chef at the Fairborn Kroger and 2006 graduate of the Sinclair Community College Culinary Arts Program, was destined to make food that people love. When he was just four years old, he proclaimed to the world that he was going to be a chef. That Christmas, Santa brought him a play kitchen, a chef's hat and an apron. That was all he needed. He spent his childhood helping his Grandma Crabtree cook and his Aunt Judy bake. The easiest question anyone asked him was, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” There was never a doubt.

​

His culinary experience has taken him from cooking in a small town bar and grill to working in a bistro and then to a private club. He acquired his most well-rounded training at a combined retail/food service establishment where he not only cooked but also taught classes, conducted beer and wine tastings and prepared meals for private parties. This also gave him the experience to fill in his business and sales acumen that started during his time in culinary school.

 

Starting Gumball Alley is a dream realized for Chef Gum and he is excited to share his 20+ years of experience with his students and customers. Sharing is, after all, what cooking is all about. Isn't it? If you ask him what his signature meal is, he’ll simply answer, “The one that makes you happy.”

​

Jon spends his time away from the kitchen with his “mini-me,” Giana, and rooting for his favorite teams, the Bengals, Buckeyes and Reds.