ACI Graduate Success: Tyler Johnson

Celebrating Culinary Excellence: Tyler Johnson, ACI Graduate and New Pastry Chef at Mountain Shadows Resort

We are thrilled to celebrate the remarkable success of Tyler Johnson, a proud 2020 graduate of the Arizona Culinary Institute (ACI) and a formerly infantryman in the United States Marine Corps. Tyler’s journey from military service to culinary excellence exemplifies the transformative power of education and passion.

Tyler’s culinary path began after six years of dedicated service in the Marine Corps. Seeking a new direction, he enrolled at ACI in Scottsdale, where he honed his skills and discovered a true passion for baking. His talent was evident even before graduation, as he seized an internship opportunity with Mountain Shadows Resort’s previous pastry chef, Jordan Stime. This experience laid the foundation for his future success.

In 2021, Tyler joined Mountain Shadows as a cook and baker. His hard work and dedication led him through the ranks, culminating in his recent promotion to pastry chef in September 2024. In this role, he oversees the dessert offerings for the resort’s signature restaurant, Hearth ‘61, as well as for various events and weddings held at the resort.

“I’m excited to step into this new role, although it will be bittersweet – no pun intended,” Tyler remarked. “I am honored for the opportunity to make as big of an impression as Chef Jordan did. I hope every guest leaves with a smile on their face from the wonderful desserts our team creates.”

Tyler’s culinary style leans heavily towards French pastries, with a particular fondness for custards and crème brûlées. His signature creation, a Lavender Crème Brûlée with lemon pearls and honeycomb tuile, showcases his innovative approach, blending floral flavors with classic techniques.

Outside the kitchen, Tyler enjoys gardening, crafting projects with his fiancé in preparation for their upcoming wedding, and spending time with his beloved pets—a spirited team of three huskies and a German shepherd.

As we congratulate Tyler on this incredible achievement, we are reminded of the valuable skills and resilience instilled in our graduates. At Arizona Culinary Institute, we are proud to support aspiring chefs like Tyler, who exemplify creativity, dedication, and a commitment to excellence in the culinary arts.

We look forward to seeing Tyler’s continued success and the delightful desserts that will emerge from his kitchen at Hearth ‘61, further enriching the dining experience at Mountain Shadows Resort. Here’s to a bright future ahead!