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NJ Restaurant To Welcome Former ‘Chopped’ Contestant As New Executive Chef

Executive Chef John Dougherty is set to join a new dining experience in Freehold, New Jersey. The Loaded Spoon which will be located inside of iPlay America is set to…

Photo Courtesy of iPlay America

Executive Chef John Dougherty is set to join a new dining experience in Freehold, New Jersey. The Loaded Spoon which will be located inside of iPlay America is set to open in early 2023.

Chef John will oversee all culinary operations for The Loaded Spoon including catering private events, ala cart service, culinary team, and working with the Front of House team to create a cohesive concept across the board.

The former contestant on Food Network's hit show Chopped previously worked at Brickwall Tavern and Brando’s Citi Cucina in Asbury Park along with aiding the openings of several other New Jersey restaurants.

“From our first conversations, I knew that Chef John would be a great leader for this team. He is one of the most passionate individuals I have come across in this industry. His food is delicious, and his presentations are always well thought out,” says Director of Food and Beverage, Christopher DeLuca in a press release.

The Loaded Spoon’s original menu will feature dishes handcrafted by their culinary team with Chef John describing his inspiration for the menu as paying respect to every piece of food that’s brought into the building.

Click here to learn more about The Loaded Spoon.

[Updated On June 21, 2023]

Did you know Diners, Drive-ins and Dives has been filmed at more than 30 New Jersey locations since it premiered in 2006? If not, buckle up, because we're taking you on a road trip to Flavortown!

If you're a foodie and want to see more, please take note. Diners, Drive-ins and Dives hosted by Guy Fieri is one of the most popular food reality shows to date so seeing how many local spots made the list is a pretty awesome thing.

If you want to see more, the website tvfoodmaps.com highlights every restaurant that has appeared on all of the Food Network‘s shows throughout the years.

Scroll down below to check out the famous Jersey spots now.

White Manna - Hackensack, NJ

Brownstone Diner & Pancake Factory- Jersey City, NJ

Tick Tock Diner- Clifton, NJ

Skylark Diner & Lounge- Edison, NJ

La Isla- Hoboken, NJ

Johnny Prince's Bayway Diner- Linden, NJ

Hightstown Diner- Hightstown, NJ

10th Ave Burrito Co- Belmar, NJ

Marie's Italian Specialties- Chatham Township, NJ

Ritz Diner- Livingston, NJ

Maui's Dog House- Wildwood, NJ

Jefferson Diner- Jefferson, NJ

Quahog's Seafood Shack and Bar- Stone Harbor, NJ

George's Place- Capy May, NJ

Dolce & Clemente's- Robbinsville Township, NJ

Vincetown Diner- Southampton Township, NJ

Mustache Bill's Diner- Barnegat Light, NJ

Anchorage Tavern Restaurant- Somers Point, NJ

Bagel Street Grill- Plainsboro, NJ

The Grilled Cheese and Crabcake Company- Somers Point, NJ

Jersey Girl Cafe- Hamilton Township, NJ

Carluccios' Coal Fired Pizza- Northfield, NJ

Kelsey & Kim's Southern Cafe- Atlantic City, NJ

Historic Rocky Hill Inn & Tavern- Rocky Hill, NJ

Vagabond Kitchen & Tap House- Atlantic City, NJ

Ernest and Son- Brigantine, NJ

Sam's- Pleasantville, NJ

Oyster Creek Restaurant and Boat Bar- Galloway, NJ

Piccini Wood Fired Brick Oven Pizza- Ocean City, NJ

Jammin' Crepes- Princeton, NJ

Haldi Chowk - Middletwon, NJ

Turf Surf & Earth - Somerville, NJ

The Chubby Pickle - Highlands, NJ

MOO YAI THAI - Sea Bright, NJ

Big Pinks BBQ - Bridgewater Township, NJ

Joe's Meat Market - South Bound Brook, NJ

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