You won’t find any fancy culinary degrees on John’s walls. Everything he knows about cooking, flavor, and creating food people remember started with his mom in her kitchen. She was self-taught, and while the meals they grew up with were never fancy, they were always packed with incredible flavor. That foundation shaped the way he cooks today: bold, creative, and always full of heart.

His competitive culinary journey began alongside his mom at the World Food Championships. In 2015, they earned 2nd Place in the Bacon Category, and in 2016 they came back determined to do even better. That year, bacon jam became the star of the show — and they won.

That victory changed everything. John started experimenting with his mom’s bacon jam recipe, refining it, pushing the flavors further, and adding his own creativity. Those experiments became the foundation of Ink & Knives, a brand born of simple ingredients and designed to elevate even the simplest of meals.

In 2017 in his home state of Michigan, John stepped into the spotlight as mastermind of Ink & Knives with a Peanut Butter & Bacon Jam Burger. It was a bold combination that turned heads, won over taste buds, and earned the People’s Choice Award at the Detroit Burger Bash. From there, the success continued with awards at Detroit Mac & Brews and a championship win at the Culinary Fight Club Blended Burger Battle. Through every competition, bacon jam stayed at the heart of the story.

When his mom passed away in 2021, John took some time away. But eventually, he came back with a renewed purpose: to bring Ink & Knives Craft Bacon Jam back stronger than ever and continue sharing the bold flavors that made them champions.

Today, every jar honors her memory and carries on her legacy. A portion of sales supports the CuisineWithColleen Scholarship Fund, helping graduating high school students pursue a culinary education.

At Ink & Knives, flavor never sits still. John is constantly experimenting with bold combinations, unexpected ingredients, and a little mad-scientist energy to keep pushing craft bacon jam beyond the ordinary.

Ink & Knives Craft Bacon Jam isn’t just a product — it’s a family legacy, a championship-winning recipe, and a tribute to the woman who taught John that great food doesn’t have to be fancy to be unforgettable.