Work Is Not a Four-Letter Word, Says Mississippi Restaurateur

Robert St. John shares how he found purpose and passion in his lifelong career in the restaurant industry.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 7:37pm

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An extremely blurred, out-of-focus photograph depicting a warm, hazy scene of a chef working in a kitchen, with soft pools of light and color filling the frame to create a dreamlike, atmospheric mood.A dreamlike, abstracted scene captures the passion and dedication of a chef at work, reflecting the deep fulfillment Robert St. John has found in his lifelong career.New Orleans Today

Robert St. John, a Mississippi-based restaurateur, reflects on his decades-long career in the restaurant business and how he has never viewed his work as a chore, but rather as a true passion and calling. From mowing lawns as a child to building a successful multi-concept restaurant group and travel business, St. John shares his perspective on the power of surrounding yourself with people who care and finding creative freedom in your work.

Why it matters

St. John's story offers a refreshing counterpoint to the common perception of work as a necessary evil. His ability to find joy and purpose in his career, even during challenging times, provides inspiration for readers to reframe their own relationship with work and to seek out opportunities that align with their values and interests.

The details

St. John's path to a fulfilling career began at a young age, when he started mowing lawns for his neighbors to earn money after his father passed away. This entrepreneurial spirit continued as he landed his first job as a radio DJ in high school, working holidays and late nights when his friends were enjoying their free time. After discovering his passion for the restaurant industry, St. John has built a successful multi-concept business, including restaurants, a travel company, and various food products. Throughout his career, he has maintained a deep sense of ownership and creative control over his ventures, which he credits as the key to finding meaning in his work.

  • At age 12, St. John started mowing lawns for his neighbors to earn money.
  • At age 15, St. John landed his first job as a radio station DJ, working long shifts on holidays and weekends.
  • St. John has been in the restaurant business for over 45 years, since starting at age 19.

The players

Robert St. John

A Mississippi-based restaurateur, travel business owner, and columnist who has found deep fulfillment in his lifelong career in the restaurant industry.

Jill St. John

Robert St. John's wife, who has used a specific word to describe his unwavering work ethic for the past 33 years.

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What they’re saying

“In all the years I have been in the restaurant business, I have never once woken up in the morning and told myself, oh damn, I've got to go to work.”

— Robert St. John

What’s next

St. John plans to continue growing his restaurant group, travel business, and other ventures, while passing on his passion for the industry to his son, who is also pursuing a career in the restaurant world.

The takeaway

St. John's story demonstrates that work can be a source of deep fulfillment and purpose, rather than a necessary evil, when you find the right fit and surround yourself with a supportive team that shares your values and commitment.