Video•Apr 17, 2026
Executive MBA Student's Soul Food Eatery Wins James Beard America’s Classics Award | USC Marshall
The video spotlights Justin Johnson, co‑owner of Englewood’s Serving Spoon, as the 2026 recipient of the James Beard America’s Classics award. Johnson, an executive MBA candidate at USC Marshall, celebrates the honor while reflecting on his family’s three‑generation soul‑food legacy.
Johnson credits Marshall’s curriculum—particularly an activity‑based costing class with Professor Mark Young—for dissecting recipe expenses, labor, and overhead, enabling data‑driven pricing decisions. He also outlines the restaurant’s next phase: launching a ghost‑kitchen “Serving School” in Mid‑City and scaling catering, online, and take‑out services.
Memorable moments include a shout‑out to class mother Deborah Ono, a camaraderie‑building Korea export trip, and the public presentation of his costing analysis before peers. These anecdotes illustrate the program’s blend of community, mentorship, and global exposure.
The award elevates Englewood’s culinary reputation, while the MBA experience demonstrates how academic rigor can accelerate small‑business growth, offering a template for other family‑run enterprises seeking modernization and market expansion.
