Exciting News
After 13 years of seeking and sharing the best food, farm and culinary stories in Southeastern Michigan, Kate and Robb Harper the founders, and publishers of edible WOW magazine have sold the magazine to two Detroit entrepreneurs.
John Piazza and Jeremy Abbey founders of the nonprofit Soil 2 Service will be taking over as joint publishers of edible WOW. “They have exciting plans that will not only drive expansion of the magazine’s reach, but also its mission and impact on our regional foodshed.” The publication will remain part of the Edible Communities network of more than 80 distinct culinary regions in North America.
A Detroit native, Jeremy has worked in some of Detroit’s premier restaurants and has opened some of the most influential hospitality concepts in the nation. From fine dining to retail to hospitals and education, his diverse experience in the culinary arts has allowed him to affect the lives of many, now on a global scale. By challenging his skill set through international competition and the startup of DUO, he earned the World Certified Master Chef designation from World Chefs along with the Certified Executive Chef, Executive Pastry Chef, Culinary Educator and Culinary Administrator from the American Culinary Federation. He holds a degree in Culinary Arts and a degree in Sustainable Agriculture. Jeremy has run a successful catering and consulting operation for more than 20 years and has consulted on the opening of multi-million-dollar concepts by creating culinary “stories” to differentiate concepts in the marketplace.
John’s career in the world of culinary arts and business management reflects his creativity, versatility, and entrepreneurial spirit. John started working in restaurant kitchens at the age of 15. He graduated from Central Michigan University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration in Hotel and Restaurant Management. He later earned an Associate Degree of Occupational Studies in Culinary Arts from the Culinary Institute of America, Hyde Park, NY.
After years as a chef and restaurant operator, John joined a post-secondary institution in the Metro Detroit area to create and direct a multi-campus culinary arts school. John has joined the American Culinary Federation Educational Foundation as both a post-secondary school accreditation evaluator and an ACF certification practical exam evaluator. Currently, John is the Executive Director of Business Development for Soil2Service, Inc., a project consultant for the American Culinary Federation, the treasurer of the Michigan Chef’s de Cuisine Association and the owner of Adesso Inc. a successful personal chef and consulting business. John has achieved the designation from the American Culinary Federation of Certified Executive Chef and Certified Culinary Administrator. John’s view on hospitality culture and his commitment to people brings a unique edge to the team.
“We are incredibly grateful to all the food system leaders, farmers, food artisans, chefs, designers, advertisers, and amazing contributors who helped launch edible WOW back in 2008 and contributed their vision and support over an amazing 13-year run,” said Kate.
“I am extremely excited for the opportunity to hand a labor of love over to John and Jeremy. Kate and I have worked with them for over ten years and feel as though they are edible WOW family members. They are eager to share the stories of farmers, producers, chefs, and activists working to bring our community together to celebrate and engage in one the richest food cultures in the Nation.” Said Robb
“Now more than ever, people are coming together to love and support each other, and much of that is taking place over a meal,” said Tracey Ryder, CEO, and founder of Edible Communities. “Edible WOW has a bond with its readers and can unite people during this difficult time to help the region’s restaurants, food makers and farmers rebound.”
