CONNIE DESOUSA
& JOHN JACKSON

CO-Chefs/Co-Owners of CHARCUT Roast House, charbar, Alley Burger, Rooftop Bar @Simmons – Calgary

Co-Chefs for life! Jackson and DeSousa’s story began at the legendary Owl’s Nest back when it was one of Calgary’s finest dining establishments. Recognizing DeSousa’s competitive spirit, Jackson worked closely with DeSousa to compete in the World Culinary Olympics in Germany, then onto the prestigious Chaîne De Rotîsseurs in South Africa. 

Driven to succeed, the pair parted ways to endeavor on separate culinary journeys to develop diverse skills – DeSousa honed her butchery skills in Germany, and Jackson studied the traditional techniques of sausage making in Italy. Each staged and worked their way through many international kitchens, but most notably Jackson’s career switched gears when he was asked to open the prestigious 5-star Mobil, St. Regis Hotel in San Francisco, and he called on DeSousa to join him. While in California, DeSousa adopted the nose-to-tail, farm-to-table philosophies of the esteemed Alice Waters, as she took on extra work at Chez Panisse in Berkeley. Under the Starwood name, this duo of dynamic chefs continued to expand their  restaurant knowledge opening many notable restaurants throughout the world, including the Lagoon by Jean Georges in Bora Bora. 

Making the decision to move back to Calgary in 2009 to open their first restaurant, the award-winning CHARCUT Roast House, was an easy one. They wanted to plant their roots in a place they could call home and are now co-owners of four successful restaurants and a rapidly growing Catering and Events division.

Together this co-chef team is much more than just restaurateurs. Jackson and DeSousa support many important social issues that touch the lives of so many Canadians, using food and their combined culinary talents to create awareness and help those in need. Restaurants for Change, Terrior Symposium, Alberta Culinary Tourism Alliance, Cook It Raw, Alex Community Food Centre, are a few of the culinary organizations they have supported.