For Yianni (John) Koufodontis, cooking is more then an art form, it’s a way of life. Eating is a focal point of all Greek family gatherings, and Yianni grew up cooking daily with his mother and grandmother. His talents in the kitchen were unmistakable even as a young man. Yianni obtained his formal culinary training at the prestigious California Culinary Academy in San Francisco. He received his diploma in 1996 and promptly completed an extern ship with Chef Daniel Boulod at Restaurant Daniel in Manhattan, were he worked for his first culinary mentor, Daniel Boulod, a James Beard Award winning Chef, cookbook, author and restaurateur. Through this hands-on experience, Yianni developed his appreciation for seasonal ingredients, as well as love for new world cuisine. In 1997 Yianni opened Troquet, as a Sous Chef, a French Bistro in Costa Mesa, and in their first year the restaurant was rated #1 in Zagat guide in Orange County.

In September 1999 Yianni began a four year stench with Chef Wolfgang Puck at Spago, Beverly Hills. He worked closely with Executive Chef, Lee Hefter and Wolfgang Puck, going shopping at local farmer markets, fish wholesalers and the inspiration that the fresh seasonal produce can produce with in culinary artists. As the corporate Chef of the Domaine Restaurant Group, Yianni was responsible for hiring Chef's, creating new menu concepts, developing new recipes, and fine tuning existing restaurant processes and recipes. He had the extensive business experience of managing food cost, hiring new suppliers, and changing organizational methods so the group can stay with in budget.

In 2005 Yianni opened Petro’s Greek Cuisine as the executive Chef. His passion and knowledge of the Mediterranean inspired foods shined right away. Angeleno Magazine rated Petro’s top ten host spots and gave Yianni a three star review on presentation and food. Los Angeles Times food critic Irene Virbila gave Yianni a two and a half star review raving about Yianni's technique and choice of ingredients. In 2006 Petro’s was rated number one restaurant by Zagat survey. Yianni's skills and knowledge of the restaurant business begins with years of experience at different levels and varying environments.