Dave Johnson, Executive Chef, djohnson@local121.com

Michael Iannotti, Sous Chef, miannotti@local121.com

Erin Stark, Pastry Chef

Emily Carpentier, Dining Room and Private Party Manager, ecarpentieri@local121.com 

Bryan Minto, Taproom Manager, bminto@local121.com

Jennifer Stevens, Speakeasy Booking Agent, jstevens@local121.com 

Devin McShane, Speakeasy Director of Sales, dmcshane@local121.com

Joshua and Nancy Miller, Proprietors, nmiller@local121.com, jmiller@local121.com

Dave Johnson

Local 121 Executive Chef Dave Johnson has a true passion for local food. “It just makes sense,” Dave says, “You’re getting the freshest food because it’s not traveling across America or from out of the country, and you’re putting money back into your community.” Not to mention, working with local ingredients that change with the seasons, or even from one week to the next, makes the job that much more interesting.

Getting his start in the restaurant business at the age of 14 at the Beef Barn in North Smithfield, Dave has been pursuing his passion for food ever since. Inspired by memories of his grandmother’s Polish cooking, Dave’s dishes are something more than just a skillfully crafted synergy of the best ingredients available: they are the comfort of a home cooked meal. Before joining Local 121, Dave perfected his skills at Mills Tavern, La Laiterie, and the Carnegie Abbey Club.

Every week Dave works directly with farmers and the Local 121 food forager to select the best ingredients for the menu: everything from shellfish to dandelion greens. Thus, the seasonal specials and new dishes at Local 121 are truly inspired by the harvest. Moreover, Dave brings his skills canning foods and curing meats to Local 121, giving diners a little taste of the summer flavors in the winter months.

As a chef, Dave encourages his cooks to contribute to the creative process. He believes that there is no better recipe for success than working together, and always prepares new dishes for the entire staff to try.

A Rhode Island native originally from North Smithfield, Dave currently lives in Boston with his wife Kim. Fortunately for Local 121, Dave brings his expertise and his passion for food to the Local 121 kitchen every day.