John C. Metz, Jr. Inducted Into the Culinary Institute of America's Alumni Walk of Fame
Photo courtesy of CIA
John C. Metz Jr., CEO, executive chef and co-founder of Sterling Hospitality, the parent company of Marlow’s Tavern, the Woodall and Sterling Culinary Management, has been inducted into the inaugural Culinary Institute of America’s (CIA) Alumni Walk of Fame. The honor recognizes 21 distinguished alumni who have made lasting contributions to the food, beverage and hospitality industries.
Metz, a 1992 CIA graduate, was honored alongside other industry leaders including I. Pano Karatassos, Grant Achatz, Marcy Blum, Anthony Bourdain, Gary Danko, Dean Fearing and Roy Yamaguchi during a ceremony held Oct. 8 at the CIA’s New York campus. The Alumni Walk of Fame celebrates those who exemplify the college’s values and embody its “Food is Life” philosophy through innovation, leadership and community impact.
“John’s influence extends far beyond the kitchen,” said CIA President Michiel Bakker. “His commitment to excellence, mentorship and generosity reflects the very best of the CIA’s legacy.”
Metz launched Sterling Hospitality in 1996 with Hi-Life Kitchen & Cocktails, growing it into a hospitality group that now includes more than 60 restaurants across several concepts: Marlow’s Tavern, the Woodall, Spinning Room and Sterling Culinary Management, an on-site foodservice company.
His leadership is defined by both creativity and community spirit. This year, Metz established the Sterling Futures Foundation, a nonprofit that expands Sterling Hospitality’s decades-long philanthropic work supporting Special Olympics Georgia, No Kid Hungry and Habitat for Humanity. The foundation focuses on serving hospitality workers, aspiring chefs and local communities—a legacy inspired by his late father, John C. Metz Sr.
Metz’s restaurants are known for their consistency, warmth and connection to community. More than 65% of Sterling’s 64 salaried managers were promoted from within, a testament to Metz’s dedication to mentorship and professional growth.
A Pennsylvania State University graduate in hotel and restaurant management before attending the CIA, Metz has earned numerous accolades including the IFMA Gold Plate Award, Chain Leader Protégé Award and Atlanta Business Chronicle’s Most Admired CEO. He is the only CIA graduate to ever win both the Silver and Gold Plate. His restaurants have been named among Nation’s Restaurant News’ “Breakout Brands,” Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence winners and Jezebel magazine’s Top 100 Restaurants.
Metz has also served as chair of the CIA Board of Trustees. Under his leadership, Sterling Hospitality has raised more than $2 million for charitable causes and recently launched the Sterling Futures Foundation which will oversee the company’s charitable activities including an annual golf tournament, spirit nights, nonprofit partnerships and more.
The CIA Alumni Walk of Fame, located outside the Tim Ryan Student Commons, offers a permanent tribute to alumni whose work has shaped the global food landscape. For more information about the CIA and its Alumni Walk of Fame, visit www.ciachef.edu
About Sterling Hospitality
Sterling Hospitality operates Marlow’s Tavern, which offers classic American tavern fare with an upscale twist, as well as Sterling Culinary Management, which specializes in creating on-site restaurant and café options for the corporate dining industry, and the Woodall, which serves a globally inspired take on contemporary favorites. In 2022, the Georgia Restaurant Association named Sterling Hospitality its Hospitality Hero of the Year during the annual Georgia Restaurant Association Crystal of Excellence (GRACE) Awards ceremony.